Systems and methods for magnetic user contact points in exercise devices

ABSTRACT

An exercise system includes an exercise device and a wearable article. The exercise device includes a frame and a user contact point connected to the frame. The wearable article is configured to be worn on a user&#39;s body. The wearable article includes a magnetic connector that, when positioned proximate to the user contact point, applies a magnetic attraction force to the user contact point.

BACKGROUND Background and Relevant Art

Exercise devices simulate many of the aspects of outdoor exercises using a stationary device, which is conventionally used indoors as an alternative to the outdoor exercise. Exercise devices provide a controlled environment with improved safety and less distractions than the outdoor activities simulated by the exercise devices, such as bicycling, running, rowing, or hiking. Exercise devices allow the user to focus on efficiency, comfort, and convenience without the concerns of external factors.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In some embodiments, an exercise system includes an exercise device and a wearable article. The exercise device includes a frame and a user contact point connected to the frame. The wearable article is configured to be worn on a user's body. The wearable article includes a magnetic connector that, when positioned proximate to the user contact point, applies a magnetic attraction force to the user contact point.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the teachings herein. Features and advantages of the disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. For better understanding, the like elements have been designated by like reference numbers throughout the various accompanying figures. While some of the drawings may be schematic or exaggerated representations of concepts, at least some of the drawings may be drawn to scale. Understanding that the drawings depict some example embodiments, the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise device, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another exercise device, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a magnetic user contact point and wearable item, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an electromagnetic user contact point and wearable item, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5-1 is a top view of a magnetic user contact point, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5-2 is a top view of the magnetic user contact point of FIG. 5-1 in a different polarization, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another magnetic user contact point, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7-1 is a side view of an exercise bicycle during a downward portion of a pedal stroke, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7-2 is a side view of the exercise bicycle of FIG. 7-1 during an upward portion of a pedal stroke, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an elliptical exercise device, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a top view of a treadmill exercise device, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10-1 is a perspective view of a magnetic user contact point and wearable article, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10-2 is a top view of the magnetic user contact point and wearable article of FIG. 10-1 during a relative rotation, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11-1 is a front view of a glove wearable article including magnets, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11-2 is a perspective view of an exercise device handlebar configured to magnetically interact with the wearable article of FIG. 11-1, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12-1 is a perspective view of a treadmill exercise device and wearable article, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12-2 is a top view of the treadmill exercise device and wearable article generating eddy currents in response to relative movement, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a representation of an elliptical machine, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a representation of a side view of a pedal, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a representation of a top-down view of a pedal, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a representation of a top-down view of a pedal, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a representation of a top-down view of a pedal, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 18 is a representation of a top-down view of a pedal, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for magnetic user contact points in an exercise device. More particularly, the exercise devices of the present disclosure include one or more contact points of the exercise device that allow for attractive or repulsive magnetic forces to be applied between the user contact point and a wearable article of clothing, such as a glove, shoe, or brace, that is worn on the user's body.

An exercise device is any mechanical device that is used to provide or replicate a physical activity in a localized space. Exercise devices can include a treadmill, cable or spring resistance machine, weight resistance machine, dumbbells, elliptical machine, stepper machine, stationary bicycle, rowing machine, or any other machine or exercise device. In an example, it should be understood that while a road bicycle may not be an exercise device, as used herein, a bicycle positioned on a stationary trainer device should be considered an exercise device as the bicycle remains in one location while the user rides the bicycle on the stationary trainer device.

In some embodiments, an exercise device includes or is in communication with a display. The display allows a user of the exercise device to view video information as the user engages in exercises. In some embodiments, the display presents video information that simulates a route, path, track, road, trail, or other environment associated with the activity replicated by the exercise device. For example, a display integrated in or in communication with a treadmill may present video information simulating traveling down a road in Oahu, Hi. at a speed approximately equal to the speed at which the tread belt is moving on the treadmill. The resulting experience for the user is a simulated run down the road presented on the display. Similarly, in another example, a display integrated in or in communication with a stationary bicycle may present video information simulating traveling down a mountain trail in Sedona, Ariz. at a speed approximately equal to the speed at which the user moves the pedals of the stationary bicycle. The resulting experience for the user is a simulated mountain bike ride down the trail presented on the display. In yet another example, a display integrated in or in communication with a rowing machine may present video information simulating rowing down the Charles River in Cambridge, Mass. at a speed approximately equal to the speed at which the user pulls the handle of the rowing machine. The resulting experience for the user is a simulated row down the river presented on the display.

The exercise device simulates the experience based on simulation data that includes video information as described above. In some embodiments, the simulation data includes audio information. For example, the exercise device may offer one or more simulations such as simulate racing in a stage of a bike race or running away from a dinosaur. In such examples, audio information can increase the immersion of a bike race simulation by simulating cheering fans or sound of another racer approaching from behind on a climb. In another example, audio information can increase the immersion of a dinosaur chase by simulating the roar of the dinosaur behind the runner.

The exercise device has at least one user contact point with which a user interacts during their use of the exercise device. Because the exercise device may simulate outdoor activities without the distractions and dangers of that outdoor activity, the user (and exercise device) is free to focus on efficiency, comfort, and convenience of the exercise experience. In some embodiments, the user wears a wearable article on their body that, when proximate the user contact point, enables a magnetic interaction with the user contact point. In some embodiments, the wearable article provides a magnetic attraction force to assist in holding part of the user's body proximate or contacting the user contact point. Assisting the user's retention of the user contact point can relieve strain or tension in the user's body, such as lessening the grip force to hold a handlebar. While magnetic retention of the user's hand on the handlebar of a bicycle may create safety concerns in an outdoor bicycle ride regarding balance or other users of the road or path, a stationary bicycle will not fall over and there is no traffic to present a danger.

In some embodiments, the wearable article provides a magnetic repulsion force to assist in disconnecting from the exercise device or to lessen impacts with the exercise device. Lessening impacts with the user contact point of the exercise device can reduce repetitive impacts and strain on the user's body, such as knee and ankle impacts on a treadmill.

In some embodiments, an exercise system includes an exercise device and a wearable device with one or more magnetic connection devices to align the wearable device with a user contact point of the exercise device. For example, a magnetic connection between a user's shoe and a pedal may urge the shoe into alignment with magnetic elements in the pedal, aligning the shoe and, hence, the user's foot, leg, and knee for proper posture on the stationary bicycle. Proper alignment can reduce fatigue and potential injuries. In some embodiments, the system may disable the magnetic connection device(s) to release the user's shoe when the shoe is not aligned with the pedal.

In some embodiment, a magnetic interaction with between the wearable article and the user contact point may provide resistance to a movement of the wearable article relative to the user contact point. For example, moving a magnet proximate to a conductor (such as a metal plate) induces eddy currents in the conductor, which resist the changing magnetic field of the moving magnet. The eddy currents can, therefore, provide resistance to the movement of the magnet relative to the conductor and simulate running in water or snow to enhance immersion in a simulation for the user of a treadmill or to simply increase or change the muscle groups engaged by the exercise device.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise device 100, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of an exercise device 100 in FIG. 1 is a stationary bicycle with a display 102 integrated into the exercise device 100. In some embodiments, the display 102 may be independent from, but in data communication with, the exercise device 100 and receive video information from a computing device 104 of the exercise device 100. The computing device 104 includes a processor and a hardware storage device with instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the exercise device to perform any of the methods described herein.

In some embodiments, the hardware storage device is any non-transient computer readable medium that may store instructions thereon. The hardware storage device may be any type of solid-state memory; volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM); or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) including programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (ERPOM) or EEPROM; magnetic storage media, such as magnetic tape; platen-based storage device, such as hard disk drives; optical media, such as compact discs (CD), digital video discs (DVD), Blu-ray Discs, or other optical media; removable media such as USB drives; non-removable media such as internal SATA or non-volatile memory express (NVMe) style NAND flash memory, or any other non-transient storage media. In some embodiments, the hardware storage device is local to and/or integrated with the computing device. In some embodiments, the hardware storage device is accessed by the computing device through a network connection.

The exercise device 100 includes one or more contact points supported by a frame 106 with which the user touches, contacts, or engages with the exercise device 100 during the exercise. It should be understood that while the user may touch or contact one or more controls of the exercise device 100, such as a touchscreen of the display 102 or other input devices to provide inputs to the computing device 104 (e.g., volume controls, resistance levels, power buttons), the controls or input devices are not considered the contact points of the exercise device 100 for the purposes of the exercise performed on the exercise device 100. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the exercise device 100 is a stationary bicycle and the intended exercise of the stationary bicycle is cycling, therefor, the components of the stationary bicycle used for cycling are considered to be the contact points of the exercise device 100. The contact points of the exercise device 100 include the handlebars 108, the saddle 110, and the pedals 112.

The contact points (e.g., the pedals 112) of the exercise device 100 may include a magnet, magnetic material, or other magnetic connection device 114 to provide a magnetic interaction with a wearable article worn by a user. The magnetic connection device 114 may include a permanent magnet, electromagnet, ferromagnetic material, or array of permanent or electromagnets. The magnetic connection device 114 applies a magnetic force to a cycling shoe (such as described in relation to FIG. 3) or other wearable article with another permanent magnet, electromagnet, ferromagnetic material, or array of permanent or electromagnets.

In some embodiments, the magnetic connection between the user contact point and the wearable article may attract the wearable article to the user contact point, repel the wearable article from the user contact point, or align the wearable article on the user contact point. In some embodiments, the magnetic force applied between the contact improves posture, reduces strain, or increases efficiency of the workout for the user.

A magnetic connection including a permanent magnet may apply a magnetic force that is proportional to a distance between the magnetic material of the user contact point and the magnetic material of the wearable article. The simplicity and reliability of the permanent magnet allows the magnetic connection to operate without external power or instructions to engage or disengage the magnetic connection. The strength of the magnetic force can be altered by changing the position of the magnetic material in the wearable article. For example, when the wearable article is a shoe, the strength of the magnetic force while the user's foot is on a pedal can be adjusted by locating the magnetic material higher in the sole of the shoe, thereby limiting how close the magnetic material can approach the magnetic material of the pedal. By limiting the distance between the magnetic materials, the maximum magnetic force therebetween can be set.

An electromagnet can allow the magnetic connection between the user contact point and the wearable article to be selectively engaged and/or adjusted in strength. The magnetic field produced by the electromagnet is proportional to the current applied to the electromagnet. The electromagnet can be energized when the wearable article is detected proximate to or contacting the user contact point. In some embodiments, the strength of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet can be increased (e.g., by a computing device or other controller of the exercise device) as the wearable article approaches the user contact point. The strength of the magnetic force can, therefore, increase more rapidly relative to a distance between the user contact point and the wearable article than with a permanent magnet of equivalent strength. In some embodiments, the strength of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet can be decreased (e.g., by a computing device or other controller of the exercise device) as the wearable article approaches the user contact point. The strength of the magnetic force can, therefore, appear to the user as increasing less or remaining substantially constant within a threshold distance between the user contact point and the wearable article.

In some embodiments, the magnetic connection between the user contact point and the wearable article includes a combination of permanent magnet and electromagnet. For example, it may be more energy efficient for a permanent magnet to apply a constant attraction force between the user contact point and the wearable article during the duration of the exercise than to continuously energize an electromagnet. The electromagnet may selectively generate an opposing magnetic field that provides an opposing force and at least partially cancels the magnetic force of the permanent magnet. In some embodiments, the electromagnet can be selectively energized to oppose the magnetic field of the permanent magnet and facilitate disengaging the user contact point and the wearable article. In some embodiments, the electromagnet can be selectively energized to reinforce the magnetic field of the permanent magnet and facilitate or maintain alignment between the user contact point and the wearable article.

While some embodiments of exercise systems described herein use attractive magnetic forces between the user contact point and the wearable article to retain the wearable article proximate the user contact point, at least some embodiments of exercise systems use a repulsive magnetic force between the user contact point and the wearable article to resist the approach of the wearable article to the user contact point. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an exercise device with a magnetic connection (e.g., a repulsive connection) integrated into a contact point. The treadmill of FIG. 2 includes at least a magnetic connection device 214 for providing a magnetic field underneath the tread belt 216. The magnetic connection device 214 is in communication with the computing device 204 of the exercise device 200 to receive instructions to generate a magnetic field through at least a portion of the tread belt 216. The magnetic field may be selectively adjusted by the user using the display 202 or other input device.

As described in relation to FIG. 1, the magnetic connection device(s) 214 may be an electromagnet, a permanent magnet, or a combination thereof. For example, a plurality of magnetic connection devices 214 may cushion the surface of the tread belt 216 in different amounts in different places to simulate running on a presented beach surface with rippled sand or to gently urge the user toward a particular stride. In some embodiments, the entire surface of the tread belt 216 may be cushioned by the magnetic connection device(s) 214 to simulate a global effect in the presented simulation, such as running through water. In at least one example, the exercise device 200 may simulate an action scene and prompt the user of the exercise device 200 to run to safety by evading objects and/or clearing obstacles in the presented video and/or audio information. The action scene may simulate escaping a boobytrapped temple where the user must run along uneven pathways, crumbling walls, and escape a large boulder following the user. The magnetic connection device(s) 214 may apply magnetic fields to repel the wearable article at portions or all of the tread belt 216 to simulate the shaking of the ground as the boulder rolls behind the user.

FIG. 3 is a side schematic representation of a wearable article (e.g., a shoe 318) that is magnetically coupled to a user contact point (e.g., a pedal 312). In some embodiments, a magnetic coupling mechanism between the shoe 318 and the pedal 312 includes a first magnetic connection device 314-1 located in or on the pedal 312 and a second magnetic connection device 314-2 located in or on the shoe 318.

In some embodiments, the first magnetic connection device 314-1 and the second magnetic connection device 314-2 that make up the magnetic coupling mechanism between the user contact point and the wearable article include one magnet or magnetic material in each. In some embodiments, the first magnetic connection device 314-1 and the second magnetic connection device 314-2 that make up the magnetic coupling mechanism between the user contact point and the wearable article include more than one magnet or magnetic material in each. In some embodiments, the first magnetic connection device 314-1 and the second magnetic connection device 314-2 that make up the magnetic coupling mechanism between the user contact point and the wearable article include a different number of magnets or magnetic materials in each.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a magnetic coupling mechanism with a plurality of magnets 320 in the first magnetic connection device 314-1 and an equal number of magnets 320 in the second magnetic connection device 314-2 such that each magnet 320 of the first magnetic connection device 314-1 has a complementary magnet 320 in the second magnetic connection device 314-2. In some embodiments, a pedal 312 may include a plurality of magnets 320 in the second magnetic connection device 314-2 distributed on either side of a spindle 322, while the shoe 318 has a single large magnet 320 in the first magnetic connection device 314-1 that interacts with the plurality of magnets 320 in the second magnetic connection device 314-2. In some embodiments, a pedal 312 may include a single large magnet 320 in the second magnetic connection device 314-2, while the shoe 318 has a plurality of magnets 320 in the first magnetic connection device 314-1 that interacts with the magnet 320 in the second magnetic connection device 314-2. In some embodiments, a plurality of magnets 320 in the first magnetic connection device 314-1 and/or the second magnetic connection device 314-2 may include one or more electromagnetics, allowing individual adjustment of the magnetic fields from the electromagnetics to tune the overall magnetic field of the first magnetic connection device 314-1 and/or the second magnetic connection device 314-2.

In some embodiments, one of the first magnetic connection device 314-1 and the second magnetic connection device 314-2 may include a ferromagnetic material that provides little or no magnetic field in the absence of an applied magnetic field. For example, the shoe 318 may include ferromagnetic material in the second magnetic connection device 314-2. The shoe 318, therefore, may be worn and used by the user off the exercise device without experiencing magnetic forces between the shoe 318 and other metal or ferromagnetic objects. The shoe 318, however, will experience a magnetic force when positioned proximate to a magnetic field generated by the first magnetic connection device 314-1 of the pedal 312.

FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of a pedal 412 and shoe 418 that includes a sensor 424 and magnet 420. The sensor 424 is in data communication with a computing device 404 or another controller. In some embodiments, the magnet 420 is an electromagnet that is selectively energized by a power supply 426. The computing device 404 is in data communication with the power supply 426, and the computing device 404 may instruct the power supply 426 to apply a current to the magnet 420. In some embodiments, the sensor 424 is a force sensor, and the computing device 404 instructs the power supply 426 to apply a current to the magnet 420 in response to detecting a force applied to the sensor 424 by the shoe 418. In some embodiments, the sensor 424 is a Hall-effect sensor that detects the presence of a magnetic field. The sensor 424 may detect the presence of and/or distance to the shoe 418 based on the magnetic field generated by a magnet 420 of the shoe 418. The computing device 404 may instruct the power supply 426 to energize the magnet 420 of the pedal 412 based on the presence and/or a distance of the shoe 418. For example, a Hall-effect sensor may allow the computing device 404 to energize the magnet 420 of the pedal 412 before the shoe 418 contacts the pedal 412.

While the embodiments shown in and described in relation to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrate examples of shoes and pedals for an exercise bicycle, the magnetic coupling mechanisms described therein may be applicable to other wearable articles, such as gloves and braces, and/or exercise devices, such as treadmills, rowing trainers, step trainers, elliptical trainers, etc.

In some embodiments, a plurality of magnets in the first connection device and/or second connection device allows for different directions of magnetic forces to urge the first connection device and/or second connection device into a particular alignment relative to one another. For example, FIG. 5-1 and FIG. 5-2 illustrate examples of pedals including a magnet array that urge a shoe into a particular alignment based on a complementary (e.g., opposing magnetic polarity) magnet array on the shoe.

FIG. 5-1 is a top view of an embodiment of a pedal 512 with a magnetic connection device 514 including a plurality of magnets 520 arranged in an array. In some embodiments, the magnets 520 of the array are arranged with opposite poles (i.e., North and South) facing upward toward a shoe. A shoe with a complementary array of magnets with opposing polarities can attract each magnet to a specific, complementary magnet 520 of the pedal 512 to urge the shoe into alignment with the pedal. For example, the center column 528 of magnets 520 in the pedal 512 have a North polarity and attract a complementary center column of South polarity magnets in a shoe. The laterally-positioned South polarity magnets 530 of the pedal 512 may provide a repulsive force to the South polarity magnets in the shoe and urge the South polarity magnets in the shoe to remain in alignment with the center column 528 of the pedal 512.

FIG. 5-2 illustrates another pattern of polarity for magnets 520 in a pedal 512. In some embodiments, the pedal 512 of FIG. 5-2 is the same pedal 512 of FIG. 5-1. The magnets 520 may be electromagnets that are selectively energized and/or polarized by a computing device (e.g., computing device 404 of FIG. 4). By selectively energizing and/or polarizing the magnets 520, the pattern may be changed, or the strength of the net magnetic force can be adjusted. For example, the pattern of FIG. 5-2 may have a lesser net magnetic force on a shoe relative to the pattern of FIG. 5-1 by de-energizing the center magnet 520. In some embodiments, the polarity of all of the magnets 520 may be reversed to urge the wearable article away from the pedal to assist disengagement or as a safety feature to push the user's leg clear of spinning pedals.

In some embodiments, a single large magnet or magnetic material can provide a sufficient magnetic field to align the wearable article with the user contact point. The single magnet or magnetic material may allow rotation of the wearable article around an axis of the magnetic field while centering the magnet or magnetic material of the wearable article in a plane of the user contact point. For example, FIG. 6 is a top view of an embodiment of a pedal 612 with a magnet 620 located in the center of the pedal surface. The magnetic field is oriented normal to the pedal surface, with the field contour lines 632 indicating decreasing magnetic field in the plane of the pedal surface. In an embodiment of a shoe with a magnet under the ball of the sole, the stronger magnetic field near the center of the pedal 612 may pull the ball of the sole of the shoe into position on the center of the pedal 612. The shoe may freely rotate relative to the pedal 612, however, in contrast to the column of magnets illustrated and describe in relation to FIG. 5-1.

As described herein, one or more of the magnets in the magnetic coupling mechanism may be an electromagnet. An electromagnet requires an application of current to energize the electromagnet. To reduce the power consumption of the exercise device, the current applied to the electromagnet may vary depending on a position of the user contact point relative to the frame of the exercise device.

FIGS. 7-1 and 7-2 depict a set of pedals 712 on crankarms 734. Forces applied by the user to the pedals 712 move the crankarms around an axle 736 of a drivetrain. The drivetrain may be connected to a flywheel, gears, or other resistance mechanism to allow the user to exercise on the exercise device. In other embodiments, the drivetrain can include magnetic resistance, fluid resistance, frictional resistance, or other mechanisms of resisting the rotation of the drivetrain to allow the user to exercise on the exercise device. During the downward stroke of the pedal 712, as shown in FIG. 7-1, the user applies a downward force 738 on the pedal 712. The downward force 738 does not require a magnetic coupling between a shoe 718 and the pedal 712 to retain the position of the shoe 718 on a surface of the pedal 718. For example, friction between the shoe 718 and the pedal 712 may be sufficient to retain the shoe on the surface of the pedal 712. In some embodiments, additional texture, pins, or surface features of the pedal and/or shoe may assist in preventing lateral motion of the shoe 718 relative to the pedal 712. As such, an electromagnet of the pedal 712 (such as the magnet 620 of FIG. 6 or magnets 520 of FIGS. 5-1 and 5-2) may be de-energized or have a current to the electromagnet reduced while the pedal 712 moves through the downstroke. In some embodiments, a crankarm position sensor 742 positioned at or near the axle 736 and/or crankarm 734 allows for the determination of the position of the crankarm 734 relative to a frame of the exercise device.

In contrast, FIG. 7-2 illustrates a transmission of an upward force 740 to the pedal 712 from the shoe 718 (e.g., a “round” pedal stroke). The transmission of the upward force 740 (i.e., a tension force) between the shoe 718 and the pedal 712 cannot rely upon friction between the shoe 718 and pedal 712, and, instead, must rely upon the provision of an attraction force between the shoe 718 and the pedal 712. In some embodiments, a magnetic attraction force can provide the requisite attraction force between the shoe 718 and the pedal 712. The crankarm position sensor 742 can provide a rotational position of the pedal 712 and/or crankarm 734. During the upward stroke of the pedal 712, an electromagnet of the pedal 712 and/or the shoe 718 may be energized or have a current to the electromagnet increased while the pedal 712 moves through the upstroke. Varying the state of the electromagnet(s), by changing the current applied thereto, throughout the pedal stroke to provide a magnetic attraction force or a stronger magnetic attraction force during the upstroke.

FIGS. 7-1 and 7-2 represent a bicycle pedal stroke, with a substantially circular movement of the user contact points. Other devices, such as hand cycles, may share a substantially circular motion of the user contact points. In some embodiments, the user contact points of an exercise device follow a different cyclical path, such as a step machine or an elliptical trainer, such as illustrated in FIG. 8.

In some embodiments, an exercise device 800 includes a pair of user contact points that the user stands on and pushes to move in an elliptical path based on a mechanical linkage to a flywheel. The linkage includes at least one crankarm 834 to transmit power from the foot platforms 844 of the user contact points. The position of the foot platforms 844 in the elliptical path may be determined by a crankarm position sensor 842 or another sensor. The sensors communicate with a computing device (such as computing device 404 of FIG. 4) or other controller that adjusts the strength of an electromagnet in a magnetic connection device 814 in the foot platforms 844 to apply an attraction force to a shoe 818 or other wearable article. The strength of the electromagnet may vary based at least partially on a position of the foot platform 844 in the stroke to reduce when the user is applying a downward force 838 and increase when the user is applying an upward force 840.

In some embodiments, the user contact point not only translates, but also rotates. For example, the foot platform 844 may rotate or tilt during the movement throughout the elliptical stroke of the foot platform 844. In some embodiments, one or more sensors may measure an orientation of the foot platform 844 to adjust the strength of the magnet in the magnetic connection device 814 based at least partially upon the orientation.

FIG. 9 is a top view of another embodiment of an exercise device 900 according to the present disclosure. The exercise device 900 includes a frame 906 that supports a magnetic connection device 914 with a plurality of magnets 920 positioned underneath the user contact point (e.g., tread belt) of the treadmill. As described herein, the magnetic connection device 914 may include electromagnets, permanent magnets, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the exercise device 900 includes a grid of magnets 920. The grid may position the plurality of magnets in a plurality of columns and rows. In some embodiments, the grid is a 3×5 grid. In some embodiments, the grid has more or less than 3 columns, and in some embodiments, the grid has more or less than 5 rows.

Because the tread belt (not shown in FIG. 9) moves relative to the frame 906 and magnetic connection device 914, the location of the user's foot and wearable article will move in relation to the magnets 920 while in contact with the tread belt. In some embodiments, a plurality of magnets 920 in a column energizes simultaneously to apply a magnetic force to the wearable article. In some embodiments, the plurality of magnets 920 in a column moves sequentially based on the speed of the tread belt. In other embodiments, the magnetic connection device 914 has a plurality of elongated magnets 920. The exercise device 900 includes magnets 920 positioned in a plurality of columns, where each column includes one magnet 920 that is substantially the full length of the frame 906. As the user's foot does not move laterally relative to the direction of the tread belt rotation while the user's foot is in contact with the tread belt, the entire magnets 920 may be energized to apply a magnetic force to the wearable article.

In some embodiments, the exercise device 900 detects the location and time of the footstrike 946. For example, the exercise device 900 may include one or more pressure sensors positioned in or underneath the tread belt to measure an application of force to the tread belt. A computing device in communication with the pressure sensor(s) may receive the measurements from the pressure sensor(s) and determine the user's foot has contacted the tread belt at the location of the pressure sensor(s). In some embodiments, a minimum force or pressure measurement may be required for the pressure sensor to transmit the measurement or for the computing device to interpret the measurement as a footstrike 946. The computing device may then send instructions to the magnetic connection device(s) 914 associated with the location of the footstrike 946 to attract the wearable article toward the tread belt.

In some embodiments, the exercise device 900 includes one or more cameras positioned and oriented to monitor the movement and location of the user's feet relative to the tread belt frame 906 and/or tread belt. The camera may transmit video data to the computing device to allow the computing device to identify the location of the user's foot when the foot makes contact with the tread belt and determine the location of the footstrike 946. The computing device may then send instructions to the magnet connection device(s) 914 associated with the location of the footstrike 946 to slow the approach of the wearable article and cushion the impact of the user's foot on the exercise device 900.

In some embodiments of treadmills or other exercise devices where the user experiences repeated removal and impacts of the wearable article (e.g., footstrikes) with the user contact point (e.g., the tread belt), the magnetic connection device and/or magnets of the magnetic connection device may apply a repulsive magnetic force between the wearable article and the user contact point to limit the shock to the user's joints, limbs, or body, generally. For example, a repulsive magnetic force may dampen the impact by slowing the movement of the wearable article while approaching the user contact point. In another example, a repulsive magnetic force while the wearable article approaches the user contact point may cushion the impact, and a polarity of the magnet may be reversed upon contact between the wearable article and the user contact point to assist in retention of the wearable article on the user contact point.

In some embodiments, the exercise device 900 predicts the location and time of the footstrike 946. For example, the exercise device 900 may include one or more pressure sensors 924 positioned in or underneath the tread belt to measure an application of force to the tread belt. The computing device in communication with the pressure sensor(s) 924 may receive the measurements from the pressure sensor(s) 924 and determine the user's foot has contacted the tread belt at the location of the pressure sensor(s) 924. In some embodiments, the computing device may track and average the location and intervals between a sequence of footstrikes 946. The computing device may continue to calculate a rolling average of the recent cadence and/or location of the footstrikes 946 to predict the location of a next footstrike 946. The computing device may then send instructions to the magnet connection device(s) 914 associated with the location of the predicted footstrike 946 to slow the approach of the wearable article and cushion the impact of the user's foot on the exercise device 900.

In some embodiments, the exercise device 900 includes one or more cameras positioned and oriented to monitor the movement and location of the user's feet relative to the tread belt. The camera may transmit video data to the computing device to allow the computing device to identify the location of the user's foot when the foot makes contact with the tread belt and determine the location of the footstrike 946. In some embodiments, the computing device may track and average the location and intervals between a sequence of footstrikes 946. The computing device may continue to calculate a rolling average of the recent cadence and/or location of the footstrikes 946 to predict the location of a next footstrike 946. The computing device may then send instructions to the actuator(s) associated with the location of the predicted footstrike 946 to move the tread belt and provide haptic simulation in coordination with audio and/or video information.

In some embodiments, the camera may measure the movement of the user's foot and transmit the location and movement of the user's foot to the computing device. The computing device may track the motion of the user's foot immediately prior to the user's foot contacting the tread belt and predict the location of the footstrike 946. The computing device may then send instructions to the magnet connection device(s) 914 associated with the location of the predicted footstrike 946 to slow the approach of the wearable article and cushion the impact of the user's foot on the exercise device 900.

In some embodiments, sensors on the user contact point, the wearable article, or the exercise device, generally may monitor the alignment and/or position of the wearable article relative to the user contact point to determine when to energize/de-energize the magnetic connection device(s). FIG. 10-1 illustrates a system including a pedal 1012 with a magnetic connection device 1014 and a shoe 1018 with a ferromagnetic material in the sole of the shoe 1018. The magnetic connection device 1014 includes a single magnet 1020, which allows rotation of the shoe 1018 around an axis of the magnetic field of the magnet 1020. The relative rotation can allow for some movement during the user's pedal stroke, improving comfort. However, the relative rotation of a cycling shoe to the pedal is a common motion for decoupling a conventional cycling shoe from a mechanical clipless pedal.

The pedal 1012 includes one or more sensors 1024 to measure the alignment of the shoe 1018 and the pedal 1012. In some embodiments, the sensors 1024 are force sensors, optical sensors, Hall-effect sensors, RF sensors, or other sensors that measure a position or motion of the shoe 1018 relative to the pedal 1012. FIG. 10-2 is a top view of the pedal 1012 of FIG. 10-1 with an outline of the shoe 1018 of FIG. 10-1. As the shoe 1018 rotates around the magnet 1020, the sensors 1024 may detect the rotation and provide a computing device or other controller with the rotational position of the shoe 1018. When the rotational position exceeds a threshold value, the magnet 1020 may be de-energized to reduce and/or remove a magnetic attraction between the pedal 1012 and the shoe 1018. The user may then step off the pedal safely. In some embodiments, the magnetic connection device 1014 may apply a magnetic repulsion to assist in the removal and/or ejection of the shoe 1018 from the pedal 1012, further improving safety of the exercise device.

In some embodiments, safety features and wearable article removal assistance mechanisms include permanent magnets. FIG. 11-1 is an embodiment of a glove 1148 wearable article with magnets 1120 positioned in a palm of the glove 1148. A glove 1148 may be worn by a user of a rowing machine, handcycle, resistance training device, or other hand-operated exercise device. The glove 1148 of FIG. 11-1 may be used in conjunction with a handlebar (such as handlebar 108 of FIG. 1) or a grip 1150 of a rowing machine or other device. The glove 1148 and grip 1150 include complementary permanent magnets 1120 that attract one another when the glove 1148 is centered on the grip 1150. For example, the North poles of the magnets 1120 of the glove 1148 may align with the South pole of the magnet 1120 of the grip 1150 when the glove 1148 is centered on the grip 1150, and the South poles of the magnets 1120 of the glove 1148 may align with the North pole of the magnet 1120 of the grip 1150 when the glove 1148 is centered on the grip 1150. In the event that the user needs to release the grip 1150, the user may slide the glove 1148 laterally (i.e., toward the end of the grip 1150), until the North poles of the magnets 1120 of the glove 1148 align with the North pole of the magnet 1120 of the grip 1150, producing a magnetic repulsion force, urging the glove 1148 away from the grip 1150.

In some embodiments, the magnetic coupling mechanisms describe herein may provide additional resistance to the user through a magnetic force applied to a wearable article. For example, the additional resistance may be used by the exercise device to enhance the intensity of the workout session. In some examples, the additional resistance may mimic surface conditions of a simulated workout, such as running on sand or through water on a beach. FIG. 12-1 is a perspective view of an exercise device 1200 with a shoe 1218 (i.e., a wearable article) moving forward relative to a frame 1206 of the exercise device 1200. The exercise device 1200 includes a metal or other conductive material plate positioned underneath the tread belt 1216.

The movement of shoe 1218 forward in stride relative to the exercise device 1200 moves a magnet 1220 of the shoe 1218 relative to the metal or other conductive material plate. In some embodiments, the motion of the magnet 1220 of the shoe 1218 relative to the metal or other conductive material plate of the exercise device 1200 can induce circular eddy currents within the metal or other conductive material plate. The eddy currents generate an associated magnetic field that creates a magnetic force on the shoe 1218 opposing the direction of movement of the shoe 1218.

FIG. 12-2 is a schematic representation of the eddy currents 1252 generated by the movement of a shoe 1218 with magnets therein relative to a conductive plate 1254 supported by the frame of the exercise device in FIG. 12-1. The conductive plate 1254 is non-magnetic, such that the presence of a magnet in the shoe 1218 does not generate a substantial attractive or repulsive force between the shoe 1218 and the conductive plate 1254. The conductive plate 1254, however, does allow a flow to electrons that creates an electric current flowing in circular paths in the plane of the conductive plate when the shoe 1218 is moved in a movement direction 1256. The eddy currents 1252 generate an induced magnetic field, due to the flow of electrons in the circular path, and the induced magnetic field generates a counter-force 1258 that is in-plane with the conductive plate 1254 and opposite the movement direction 1256. The counter-force 1258 is less than the force applied to move the shoe 1218 in the movement direction and may allow the user to move their feet while providing additional resistance and/or simulate running in sand or water.

In at least one embodiment, a system or method according to the present disclosure allows for a user of an exercise device to more efficiently or comfortably transfer power or force to the exercise device. In some embodiments, the magnetic coupling mechanisms described herein provide additional safety by reducing or disabling magnetic attraction force between the wearable article and the user contact point in response to a misalignment of the wearable article and the user contact point. In some embodiments, the magnetic coupling mechanisms described herein ensures the alignment and/or posture of the user with the user contact points by aligning of the wearable article and the user contact point. In some embodiments, the magnetic coupling mechanisms describe herein may provide additional resistance to the user through a magnetic force applied to a wearable article.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, while using an elliptical exercise device (hereinafter elliptical device or elliptical machine), a user moves pedals in a path having an elliptical shape to rotate a flywheel. To increase the portion of a pedal stroke during which a user may apply a force, the user's shoe may be connected to the pedal. This may allow the user to apply an upward force during the upstroke, a forward force during the forward portion of the pedal stroke, and a rearward force during the rearward portion of the pedal stroke. This may increase engagement of the user with the pedals of the elliptical. In this manner, the user may exercise different muscles during an exercise program. This may improve the exercise experience.

FIG. 13 is a representation of an elliptical machine 1300, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The elliptical machine 1300 includes a flywheel 1302. The flywheel is driven by a drive member 1304. In the embodiment shown, the drive member 1304 is connected to an extension member 1306 connected to a pedal 1308. The drive member 1304 may be configured to slide on a slide plate 1310 on a frame 1312 of the elliptical machine 1300. When the user pushes down on the pedal 1308, the force may be transferred to the drive member through the connected extension member 1306, causing the drive member 1304 to rotate the flywheel 1302. The flywheel 1302 may include an adjustable resistance mechanism that the user may use to adjust the resistance to rotation of the flywheel. By adjusting the resistance to rotation of the flywheel, the user may tailor his or her workout based on preferences and/or a pre-determined exercise program. In the embodiment shown, the pedal 1308 is indirectly connected to the drive member 1304 and/or the flywheel 1302. However, it should be understood that the pedal 1308 may be directly connected to the drive member 1304 and/or the flywheel 1302.

During use, the user may apply a force to the pedals 1308, causing the pedals to rotate in an elliptical path 1318. Conventionally, a user's foot is not connected to the pedal 1308. The user's foot may rest on a platform 1314 of the pedal. The motive force used to rotate the flywheel 1302 may be applied in a downward direction (e.g., the direction of the downward force 1316). The downward force 1316 may be applied cyclically, based on the position of the pedal 1308 along the elliptical path 1318. For example, when the pedal 1308 is at the top of the elliptical path 1318, the user may apply a downward force on the platform 1314 to rotate the flywheel 1302.

When the pedal 1308 is at the bottom of the elliptical path 1318, the user may rely on the continued motion of the flywheel 1302 and/or a force applied to the opposite pedal during that pedal's downstroke. For example, the right and the left pedals of the elliptical machine 1300 may be located at diametrically opposite portions of the elliptical path 1318 at any given location. Thus, when the right pedal is at the bottom of the elliptical path 1318, the left pedal may be at the top of the elliptical path 1318. The user may then apply the downward force 1316 on the left pedal, which may cause the right pedal to move toward the top of the elliptical path 1318 without any force applied to the right pedal. When the right pedal reaches the top of the elliptical path 1318, and the left pedal is at the bottom of the elliptical path 1318, the user may apply the downward force 1316 on the right pedal to move the right pedal downward and the left pedal upward without any force applied to the left pedal. This cycle may be repeated indefinitely.

During the upstroke, the user may not apply any force, or may apply a downward force 1316, to the pedal 1308. Only applying a downward force 1316 on the pedal 1308 may cause the user to only exercise a specific group of muscles while using the elliptical machine 1300.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the user's foot may be connected to the pedal 1308 in such a manner that allows the user to apply forces in a different direction to the pedal 1308. For example, based on the user's connection to the pedal 1308, the user may apply an upward force 1320 to the pedal 1308. In the embodiment shown, the upward force 1320 may be perpendicular (e.g., normal) to the pedal 1308. However, it should be understood that the upward force 1320 may be applied in any direction transverse to the plane of the pedal 1308. In this manner, the user may apply a force to the pedal 1308 at any location on the elliptical path 1318. For example, the user may apply the upward force 1320 to the pedal 1308 when the pedal 1308 is at the bottom of the elliptical path 1318. This may cause the pedal 1308 to move from the bottom of the elliptical path 1318 to the top of the elliptical path 1318. In this manner, the user may use a single foot to rotate the pedal 1308 through the elliptical path 1318. In some embodiments, pulling upward on the pedal 1308 may allow the user to exercise different muscles. Exercising different muscles may make the elliptical machine 1300 more versatile, thereby improving the exercise experience.

In some embodiments, the connection of the user's foot to the platform 1314 may allow the user to apply a force in a lateral direction parallel to a plane of the platform 1314, such as a forward force 1322 or a rearward force 1324. In the view shown, when the pedal 1308 is in the rearward position (e.g., at the left of the elliptical path 1318 in the view shown), the user may apply a forward force 1322 to assist in the rotation of the pedal 1308. When the pedal 1308 is in the forward position (e.g., at the right of the elliptical path 1318 in the view shown), the user may apply a rearward force 1324 to assist in the rotation of the pedal 1308. In this manner, with the user's foot connected to the platform 1314, the user may apply a force to rotate the pedal 1308 regardless of the position of the pedal 1308 along the elliptical path 1318.

In some embodiments, the user may apply a combination of forces to the pedal 1308 at any position along the elliptical path 1318 to rotate the pedal 1308. For example, to rotate the pedal 1308 in the clockwise direction, when the pedal 1308 is in the top position, the user may apply a combination of downward force 1316 and forward force 1322. When the pedal 1308 is in the forward position, the user may apply a combination of the downward force 1316 and the rearward force 1324. When the pedal is in the bottom position, the user may apply a combination of the upward force 1320 and the rearward force 1324. With the pedal is in the rearward position, the user may apply a combination of the upward force 1320 and the forward force 1322. In this manner, the user may apply any combination of forces to rotate the pedal 1308. This may allow the user to exercise a larger combination of muscles and/or apply a greater force to the exercise device.

To rotate the pedal in the counter-clockwise direction, when the pedal 1308 is in the top position, the user may apply a combination of downward force 1316 and rearward force 1324. With the pedal is in the rearward position, the user may apply a combination of the downward force 1316 and the forward force 1322. When the pedal is in the bottom position, the user may apply a combination of the upward force 1320 and the forward force 1322. When the pedal 1308 is in the forward position, the user may apply a combination of the upward force 1320 and the rearward force 1324. In this manner, the user may apply any combination of forces to rotate the pedal 1308. This may allow the user to exercise a larger combination of muscles and/or apply a greater force to the exercise device.

FIG. 14 is a representation of a side view of a pedal 1408 of an elliptical machine, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown, a shoe 1426 is connected to a platform 1414 of the pedal 1408. The connection of the shoe 1426 to the platform 1414 may allow the user to apply, through the shoe 1426, an upward force 1420, and/or a lateral force, such as a forward force 1422 or a rearward force 1424.

The shoe 1426 may be connected to the platform 1414 with a connection mechanism 1428. The connection mechanism 1428 may secure the shoe 1426 to the platform 1414 with a connection strength. When a removal force is applied to the connection mechanism 1428 that is greater than the connection strength, the shoe 1426 may disconnect from the connection mechanism 1428, and the shoe 1426 may be removed from the platform 1414.

The connection mechanism 1428 may be any kind of connection mechanism. In some embodiments, the connection mechanism 1428 may be a magnetic connection mechanism. For example, the platform 1414 may include a platform connector 1430 that is connectable, or configured to connect, to a shoe connector 1432. In some embodiments, the shoe connector 1432 may be complementary to the platform connector 1430. The platform connector 1430 may be a magnetic platform connector 1430 and the shoe connector 1432 may be a magnetic shoe connector 1432. The magnetic platform connector 1430 may magnetically connect to a magnetic shoe connector 1432. In some embodiments, a magnetic connection mechanism 1428 may be a flexible way for the user to connect the user's shoe 1426 to the platform 1414. If the user wishes to connect to the platform 1414, then the user may utilize a shoe 1426 having a magnetic shoe connector 1432. If the user does not wish to connect to the platform 1414, then the user may utilize a shoe 1426 that does not have a magnetic shoe connector. Because the magnetic platform connector 1430 can be conformed to a surface profile of the platform 1414, when the shoe 1426 is not connected to the platform 1414, the user may not feel the platform connector 1430 through his or her shoe 1426. This may improve the versatility of the elliptical device.

In some embodiments, the magnetic platform connector 1430 may be any type of magnetic connector. For example, the magnetic platform connector 1430 may be or include a permanent magnet. A permanent magnet may use no outside input, thereby being low maintenance. In some embodiments, the magnetic platform connector 1430 may be or include an electromagnet. For example, the electromagnet may include a series of conductive coils that, when an electric charge is applied to the conductive coils, may generate a magnetic field. The magnetic shoe connector 1432 may be magnetically attracted to the generated magnetic field of the magnetic platform connector 1430.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a platform connector 1430 including an electromagnet may be versatile. For example, electric power may be selectively applied to or removed from the conducting coils, thereby turning on or turning off the generated magnetic field of the magnetic platform connector 1430. Thus, when a user desires to apply an upward force 1420 to the platform using his or her shoe, the user may selectively activate or deactivate the electromagnet. This may allow the user to tailor his or her workout to his or her desire or needs.

In some embodiments, the connection strength of the connection mechanism 1428 may be based on the magnetic strength of the magnetic platform connector 1430. For example, a larger permanent magnet may result in a larger magnetic field, and therefore a larger connection strength. In some examples, the size of the electromagnet and/or the amount of current passed through the electromagnet may determine the strength of the generated magnetic field. A larger current passed through the electromagnet may result in a larger magnetic field, and therefore a larger connection strength. In some embodiments, the magnetic force of the electromagnet may be varied by varying the amount of current passed through the electromagnet. This may allow the user to vary the connection strength based on his or her preferences and workout needs. When the user desires a larger connection strength, such as if the user wishes to apply a large upward force 1420, the current passed through the electromagnet may be increased. When the user desires a smaller connection strength, such as if the user wishes to remove his or her shoe with the upward force 1420, the current passed through the electromagnet may be decreased. In some embodiments, the magnetic platform connector 1430 may include a combination of both an electromagnet and a permanent magnet. This may allow for a minimum connection strength provided by the permanent magnet, and the connection strength may be varied by applying a current to the electromagnet.

In some embodiments, the magnetic shoe connector 1432 may be or include a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet in the magnetic shoe connector 1432 may allow the user to connect to the magnetic platform connector. In some embodiments, the magnetic shoe connector 1432 may be or include an electromagnet.

In some embodiments, the electromagnet in the magnetic platform connector 1430 may be powered by a battery. In some embodiments, the electromagnet in the magnetic platform connector 1430 may be powered by the power to the elliptical machine. For example, the elliptical machine may be powered using a plug into a home or commercial power outlet. In some embodiments, the electromagnet in the magnetic platform connector 1430 may be powered by electricity generated on the elliptical machine. For example, the flywheel (e.g., the flywheel 1302 of FIG. 13) may include an electric generator. Rotation of the flywheel may generate electricity through a turbine or other electricity generating system. The electricity generated by the flywheel may be used to power the electromagnet. This may allow the electromagnet to be powered only when the device is being used. This may further allow the retention mechanism 1428 to only provide a retention force to the shoe 1426 when the elliptical machine is being used. This may improve the safety of the elliptical machine by preventing a user from getting their foot stuck on the platform while mounting or dismounting the platform.

In some embodiments, the strength of the electromagnet may be determined by the rotational speed of the flywheel. For example, a faster rotational speed of the flywheel may generate more current. At least a portion of the greater amount of current generated may be applied to the electromagnet. Thus, the retention force may increase with a rotational speed of the flywheel. In this manner, as the user pedals the elliptical machine faster, the user may apply a greater upward force, thereby enabling the user to pedal even faster.

In some embodiments, the strength of the electromagnet may be determined by a resistance level applied to the flywheel. For example, a higher resistance level may utilize a larger force to rotate the flywheel. To assist in rotating the flywheel, the user may desire to apply the upward force 1420 to the pedal. To continue to assist in rotating the flywheel, the user may apply a larger upward force 1420. With a larger applied upward force, a larger retention strength may be used to keep the shoe 1426 connected to the platform 1414. Increasing the magnetic field proportionally or directly related to an increase in the resistance level of the flywheel may help to keep the user's foot connected to the platform.

In some embodiments, the connection mechanism 1428 may include a physical connection mechanism 1428. For example, the connection mechanism 1428 may include a clipless pedal system, such as may be seen on bicycle pedals. For example, the platform 1414 may include a receptacle and the shoe 1426 may include a cleat. The cleat may clip into the receptacle such that the user may apply a torque to the connection mechanism 1428 to disconnect the cleat from the receptacle. In some embodiments, the connection mechanism may include any other type of connection mechanism. In some embodiments, the connection mechanism 1428 may include both a mechanical connector and a magnetic connector.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the upward force 1420 used to overcome the retention force may be in a range having an upper value, a lower value, or upper and lower values including any of 5 N, 10 N, 15 N, 20 N, 25 N, 30 N, 40 N, 50 N, 75 N, 100 N, 150 N, 200 N, 250 N, 300 N, 400 N, 500 N, or any value therebetween. For example, the upward force 1420 may be greater than 5 N. In another example, the upward force 1420 may be less than 500 N. In yet other examples, the upward force 1420 may be any value in a range between 5 N and 500 N. In some embodiments, it may be critical that the upward force 1420 is greater than 50 N to allow the user to pull upwards during a pedal stroke without accidently disconnecting from the platform 1414.

In some embodiments, the forward force 1422 may be the force used to overcome the retention force, not accounting for friction. In some embodiments, the forward force 1422 may be in a range having an upper value, a lower value, or upper and lower values including any of 5 N, 10 N, 15 N, 20 N, 25 N, 30 N, 40 N, 50 N, 75 N, 100 N, 150 N, 200 N, 250 N, 300 N, 400 N, 500 N, or any value therebetween. For example, the forward force 1422 may be greater than 5 N. In another example, the forward force 1422 may be less than 500 N. In yet other examples, the forward force 1422 may be any value in a range between 5 N and 500 N. In some embodiments, it may be critical that the forward force 1422 is greater than 25 N to allow the user to push forward during a pedal stroke without accidently disconnecting from the platform.

In some embodiments, the rearward force 1424 may be the force used to overcome the retention force, not accounting for friction. In some embodiments, the rearward force 1424 may be in a range having an upper value, a lower value, or upper and lower values including any of 5 N, 10 N, 15 N, 20 N, 25 N, 30 N, 40 N, 50 N, 75 N, 100 N, 150 N, 200 N, 250 N, 300 N, 400 N, 500 N, or any value therebetween. For example, the rearward force 1424 may be greater than 5 N. In another example, the rearward force 1424 may be less than 500 N. In yet other examples, the rearward force 1424 may be any value in a range between 5 N and 500 N. In some embodiments, it may be critical that the rearward force 1424 is greater than 25 N to allow the user to push forward during a pedal stroke without accidently disconnecting from the platform.

FIG. 15 is a representation of a top-down view of a platform 1514 of a pedal 1508, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The platform 1514 includes a platform connector 1530. A shoe 1526 is connected to the platform connector 1530. In some embodiments, to connect the shoe 1526 to the platform connector 1530, the user may place the shoe 1526 over the platform connector 1530. For example, the platform connector 1530 may include one or more platform magnets, and the shoe 1526 may include a shoe connector that includes one or more shoe magnets. The platform magnets may be magnetically attracted to the shoe magnets. When the shoe magnets of the shoe 1526 are placed over the platform magnets of the platform connector 1530, the shoe 1526 may be pulled into an operational position.

In some embodiments, the platform connector 1530 may be directional. For example, the platform connector 1530 may include one or more orienting magnets, which may interact with the shoe magnets on the shoe 1526 to orient the user's shoe in the operational position. In some embodiments, the magnets on the platform connector 1530 may be arranged in a Halbach array. In some embodiments, the magnets in the platform connector 1530 may be arranged in any other arrangement. As discussed herein, in some embodiments, the magnets in the platform connector 1530 may be an electromagnet, which may be charged when the user's shoe 1526 is placed over the platform connector 1530.

To remove the shoe 1526 from the platform connector 1530, the user may apply a torque (collectively 1532) to the shoe 1526 to break the connection of the retention mechanism. This may cause the shoe 1526 to be disconnected from the platform connector 1530. In some embodiments, the torque 1532 may change the relative orientations of the magnets in the shoe 1526 and the platform connector 1530. This change in orientation may reduce the connection strength so that a user may easily remove his or her foot from the platform 1514. In some embodiments, the torque 1532 used to break the connection with the platform connector 1530 may use less effort than the upward force (e.g., out of the page in FIG. 3), the forward force (e.g., the forward force 1422 of FIG. 14), or the rearward force (e.g., the rearward force 1424 of FIG. 14). Thus, when the user wishes to disconnect his or her shoe 1526 from the platform 1514, the user may twist his or her foot, thereby applying the torque 1532 and breaking the connection between the shoe 1526 and the platform connector 1530.

The user may apply a first torque 1532-1 or a second torque 1532-2. For example, the user may twist his or her heal to the left, thereby applying the first torque 1532-1 to the shoe 1526. The user may twist his or her heal to the right, thereby applying the second torque 1532-2 to the shoe 1526. In this manner, the user may twist his or her heal in any direction that is convenient for him or her to dismount the elliptical machine.

FIG. 16 is a representation of a top-down view of a platform 1614 of a pedal 1608, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The platform 1614 includes a platform connector 1630. In the embodiment shown, the platform connector 1630 includes an electromagnet.

In some embodiments, the platform 1614 may include a sensor 1634. The sensor 1634 may detect the presence of the user's shoe. When the sensor 1634 detects the presence of the user's shoe, the electromagnet in the platform connector 1630 may be powered on. In some embodiments, the sensor 1634 may be a magnetic sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor. When the Hall effect sensor detects the presence of the magnet in the magnetic shoe connector of the user's shoe, the electromagnet in the platform connector 1630 may be powered on. In this manner, the platform connector 1630 may only be powered when the user is wearing a shoe that has a magnetic shoe connector. If the user is wearing a shoe without the magnetic shoe connector, the electromagnet in the platform connector 1630 may not be powered, thereby saving energy and wear and tear on the platform connector 1630.

In some embodiments, the sensor 1634 may be any type of sensor. For example, the sensor 1634 may include a pressure sensor. The sensor 1634 may detect the user's weight on the platform, and, based on the presence of the user, the electromagnet in the platform connector 1630 may be powered on. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor may have a minimum detected pressure or weight. The pressure sensor may help to determine whether the user is an authorized user. If the user's weight is too low, the person on the elliptical machine may not be an adult, such as a child or a pet. This may help to prevent the elliptical machine from being used by unauthorized users, thereby improving the safety of the elliptical machine.

In some embodiments, the sensor 1634 may include any other type of sensor. For example, the sensor 1634 may include an infrared sensor, an RFID sensor (paired with an RFID chip in the user's shoe), a distance sensor, any other type of sensor, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the sensor 1634 may be located in a particular location on the working surface of the platform 1614. For example, the magnetic sensor 1634 may be located where the user may place his or her toe on the platform 1614. This may help to ensure that the electromagnet on the platform connector 1630 is turned on when the user's feet are in an operational position. If the user's foot is in the operational position, then the user's foot and/or the shoe may trigger the sensor 1634 (e.g., the sensor 1634 may detect the presence of the user's foot), thereby causing the electromagnet platform connector 1630 to be activated. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the sensor 1634 is located at or adjacent to the platform connector 1630. This may help to ensure that the shoe connector of the user's shoe is in the operational position.

FIG. 17 is a representation of a top-down view of a platform 1714 of a pedal 1708, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown, a shoe 1726 is connected to the platform 1714 using the platform connector 1730. In some embodiments, as discussed herein, the platform connector 1730 may be or include an electromagnet. The electromagnet may be powered on or activated when a sensor 1734 detects the presence of the user's shoe 1726.

In the embodiment shown, the sensor 1734 is located in a different location from the platform connector 1730. For example, the sensor 1734 may be located behind the platform connector, where the user's heel 1736 may be located. The user's heel 1736 may include a sensor trigger, such as a magnet, an RFID chip, or other trigger. The sensor 1734 may sense the presence of the sensor trigger, and activate the electromagnet in the platform connector 1730. By placing the sensor 1734 remotely from the platform connector 1730, the sensor 1734 may not interfere with, or experience interference from, the platform connector 1730 and/or the shoe connector.

In some embodiments, the sensor 1734 may be located on both pedals. In some embodiments, the sensor 1734 may be located on a single pedal, such as the right pedal or the left pedal. In some embodiments, the sensor 1734 may be located at any other position on the elliptical machine. For example, the sensor 1734 may be located on the console, on the handles, elsewhere on the frame, or at any other location on the elliptical machine.

In some embodiments, the user may manually activate the electromagnet in the platform connector 1730. For example, the user may implement a setting in an exercise program, such as a button or a selection on a graphical user interface (GUI), to activate the electromagnet. In some embodiments, the electromagnet may be automatically activated during a pre-determined exercise program. For example, an exercise program may include a portion during which the user is instructed to apply an upward force, a forward force, or a rearward force. During this portion of the exercise program, the electromagnet may be activated and/or the magnetic strength of the electromagnet may be increased.

FIG. 18 is a representation of a top-down view of a platform 1814 of a pedal 1808, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The platform 1814 may include a plurality of platform connectors (collectively 1830). In the embodiment shown, the platform 1814 includes a first platform connector 1830-1 and a second platform 1830-2 located behind the first platform 1830-1. This may allow the user two places to place his or her feet during an exercise. For example, the user may desire for his or her feet to be located closer to the front of the platform 1814. To place his or her feet closer to the front of the platform, the user may connect to the front platform connector 1830-1. To place his or her feed closer to the rear of the platform 1814, the user may connect to the rear platform connector 1830-2. This may increase the flexibility of the exercise device, allowing a user to connect his or her feet to any location on the platform and/or accommodate users having different sized feet.

In some embodiments, the front platform connector 1830-1 may have a different connection strength than the rear platform connector 1830-2. For example, the front platform connector 1830-1 may have a stronger connection strength than the rear platform connector 1830-2. Put another way, the connection strength varies or may vary based on a position of the platform connector 1830 on the platform 1814. This may allow the user to determine the connection strength based on a placement of the user's foot.

In some embodiments, one or more of the platform connectors 1830 may extend in a strip across an entirety of a width of the platform 1814. For example, the platform connectors 1830 may include one or more magnets. The magnetic portion of the platform connectors 1830 may extend across a width of the platform 1814. This may allow the user to connect to the platform connector 1830 at any location across the width of the platform 1814. This may increase the comfort of using the device, and/or allow for a variety of sizes of users to connect to the platform 1814.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for magnetic user contact points in an exercise device. More particularly, the exercise devices of the present disclosure include one or more contact points of the exercise device that allow for attractive or repulsive magnetic forces to be applied between the user contact point and a wearable article of clothing, such as a glove, shoe, or brace, that is worn on the user's body.

An exercise device is any mechanical device that is used to provide or replicate a physical activity in a localized space. Exercise devices can include a treadmill, cable or spring resistance machine, weight resistance machine, dumbbells, elliptical machine, stepper machine, stationary bicycle, rowing machine, or any other machine or exercise device. In an example, it should be understood that while a road bicycle may not be an exercise device, as used herein, a bicycle positioned on a stationary trainer device should be considered an exercise device as the bicycle remains in one location while the user rides the bicycle on the stationary trainer device.

In some embodiments, an exercise device includes or is in communication with a display. The display allows a user of the exercise device to view video information as the user engages in exercises. In some embodiments, the display presents video information that simulates a route, path, track, road, trail, or other environment associated with the activity replicated by the exercise device. For example, a display integrated in or in communication with a treadmill may present video information simulating traveling down a road in Oahu, Hi. at a speed approximately equal to the speed at which the tread belt is moving on the treadmill. The resulting experience for the user is a simulated run down the road presented on the display. Similarly, in another example, a display integrated in or in communication with a stationary bicycle may present video information simulating traveling down a mountain trail in Sedona, Ariz. at a speed approximately equal to the speed at which the user moves the pedals of the stationary bicycle. The resulting experience for the user is a simulated mountain bike ride down the trail presented on the display. In yet another example, a display integrated in or in communication with a rowing machine may present video information simulating rowing down the Charles River in Cambridge, Mass. at a speed approximately equal to the speed at which the user pulls the handle of the rowing machine. The resulting experience for the user is a simulated row down the river presented on the display.

The exercise device simulates the experience based on simulation data that includes video information as described above. In some embodiments, the simulation data includes audio information. For example, the exercise device may offer one or more simulations such as simulate racing in a stage of a bike race or running away from a dinosaur. In such examples, audio information can increase the immersion of a bike race simulation by simulating cheering fans or sound of another racer approaching from behind on a climb. In another example, audio information can increase the immersion of a dinosaur chase by simulating the roar of the dinosaur behind the runner.

The exercise device has at least one user contact point with which a user interacts during their use of the exercise device. Because the exercise device may simulate outdoor activities without the distractions and dangers of that outdoor activity, the user (and exercise device) is free to focus on efficiency, comfort, and convenience of the exercise experience. In some embodiments, the user wears a wearable article on their body that, when proximate the user contact point, enables a magnetic interaction with the user contact point. In some embodiments, the wearable article provides a magnetic attraction force to assist in holding part of the user's body proximate or contacting the user contact point. Assisting the user's retention of the user contact point can relieve strain or tension in the user's body, such as lessening the grip force to hold a handlebar. While magnetic retention of the user's hand on the handlebar of a bicycle may create safety concerns in an outdoor bicycle ride regarding balance or other users of the road or path, a stationary bicycle will not fall over and there is no traffic to present a danger.

In some embodiments, the wearable article provides a magnetic repulsion force to assist in disconnecting from the exercise device or to lessen impacts with the exercise device. Lessening impacts with the user contact point of the exercise device can reduce repetitive impacts and strain on the user's body, such as knee and ankle impacts on a treadmill.

In some embodiments, an exercise system includes an exercise device and a wearable device with one or more magnetic connection devices to align the wearable device with a user contact point of the exercise device. For example, a magnetic connection between a user's shoe and a pedal may urge the shoe into alignment with magnetic elements in the pedal, aligning the shoe and, hence, the user's foot, leg, and knee for proper posture on the stationary bicycle. Proper alignment can reduce fatigue and potential injuries. In some embodiments, the system may disable the magnetic connection device(s) to release the user's shoe when the shoe is not aligned with the pedal.

In some embodiment, a magnetic interaction with between the wearable article and the user contact point may provide resistance to a movement of the wearable article relative to the user contact point. For example, moving a magnet proximate to a conductor (such as a metal plate) induces eddy currents in the conductor, which resist the changing magnetic field of the moving magnet. The eddy currents can, therefore, provide resistance to the movement of the magnet relative to the conductor and simulate running in water or snow to enhance immersion in a simulation for the user of a treadmill or to simply increase or change the muscle groups engaged by the exercise device.

In some embodiments, an exercise device is a stationary bicycle with a display integrated into the exercise device. In some embodiments, the display may be independent from, but in data communication with, the exercise device and receive video information from a computing device of the exercise device. The computing device includes a processor and a hardware storage device with instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the exercise device to perform any of the methods described herein.

In some embodiments, the hardware storage device is any non-transient computer readable medium that may store instructions thereon. The hardware storage device may be any type of solid-state memory; volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM); or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) including programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (ERPOM) or EEPROM; magnetic storage media, such as magnetic tape; platen-based storage device, such as hard disk drives; optical media, such as compact discs (CD), digital video discs (DVD), Blu-ray Discs, or other optical media; removable media such as USB drives; non-removable media such as internal SATA or non-volatile memory express (NVMe) style NAND flash memory, or any other non-transient storage media. In some embodiments, the hardware storage device is local to and/or integrated with the computing device. In some embodiments, the hardware storage device is accessed by the computing device through a network connection.

The exercise device includes one or more contact points supported by a frame with which the user touches, contacts, or engages with the exercise device during the exercise. It should be understood that while the user may touch or contact one or more controls of the exercise device, such as a touchscreen of the display or other input devices to provide inputs to the computing device (e.g., volume controls, resistance levels, power buttons), the controls or input devices are not considered the contact points of the exercise device for the purposes of the exercise performed on the exercise device. In some embodiments, the exercise device is a stationary bicycle, and the intended exercise of the stationary bicycle is cycling, therefore, the components of the stationary bicycle used for cycling are considered to be the contact points of the exercise device. The contact points of the exercise device include the handlebars, the saddle, and the pedals.

The contact points of the exercise device may include a magnet, magnetic material, or other magnetic connection device to provide a magnetic interaction with a wearable article worn by a user. The magnetic connection device may include a permanent magnet, electromagnet, ferromagnetic material, or array of permanent or electromagnets. The magnetic connection device applies a magnetic force to a cycling shoe or other wearable article with another permanent magnet, electromagnet, ferromagnetic material, or array of permanent or electromagnets.

In some embodiments, the magnetic connection between the user contact point and the wearable article may attract the wearable article to the user contact point, repel the wearable article from the user contact point, or align the wearable article on the user contact point. In some embodiments, the magnetic force applied between the contact improves posture, reduces strain, or increases efficiency of the workout for the user.

A magnetic connection including a permanent magnet may apply a magnetic force that is proportional to a distance between the magnetic material of the user contact point and the magnetic material of the wearable article. The simplicity and reliability of the permanent magnet allows the magnetic connection to operate without external power or instructions to engage or disengage the magnetic connection. The strength of the magnetic force can be altered by changing the position of the magnetic material in the wearable article. For example, when the wearable article is a shoe, the strength of the magnetic force while the user's foot is on a pedal can be adjusted by locating the magnetic material higher in the sole of the shoe, thereby limiting how close the magnetic material can approach the magnetic material of the pedal. By limiting the distance between the magnetic materials, the maximum magnetic force therebetween can be set.

An electromagnet can allow the magnetic connection between the user contact point and the wearable article to be selectively engaged and/or adjusted in strength. The magnetic field produced by the electromagnet is proportional to the current applied to the electromagnet. The electromagnet can be energized when the wearable article is detected proximate to or contacting the user contact point. In some embodiments, the strength of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet can be increased (e.g., by a computing device or other controller of the exercise device) as the wearable article approaches the user contact point. The strength of the magnetic force can, therefore, increase more rapidly relative to a distance between the user contact point and the wearable article than with a permanent magnet of equivalent strength. In some embodiments, the strength of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet can be decreased (e.g., by a computing device or other controller of the exercise device) as the wearable article approaches the user contact point. The strength of the magnetic force can, therefore, appear to the user as increasing less or remaining substantially constant within a threshold distance between the user contact point and the wearable article.

In some embodiments, the magnetic connection between the user contact point and the wearable article includes a combination of permanent magnet and electromagnet. For example, it may be more energy efficient for a permanent magnet to apply a constant attraction force between the user contact point and the wearable article during the duration of the exercise than to continuously energize an electromagnet. The electromagnet may selectively generate an opposing magnetic field that provides an opposing force and at least partially cancels the magnetic force of the permanent magnet. In some embodiments, the electromagnet can be selectively energized to oppose the magnetic field of the permanent magnet and facilitate disengaging the user contact point and the wearable article. In some embodiments, the electromagnet can be selectively energized to reinforce the magnetic field of the permanent magnet and facilitate or maintain alignment between the user contact point and the wearable article.

While some embodiments of exercise systems described herein use attractive magnetic forces between the user contact point and the wearable article to retain the wearable article proximate the user contact point, at least some embodiments of exercise systems use a repulsive magnetic force between the user contact point and the wearable article to resist the approach of the wearable article to the user contact point. In some embodiments, a treadmill includes at least magnetic connection device for providing a magnetic field underneath the tread belt. The magnetic connection device is in communication with the computing device of the exercise device to receive instructions to generate a magnetic field through at least a portion of the tread belt. The magnetic field may be selectively adjusted by the user using the display or other input device.

In some embodiments, the magnetic connection device(s) may be an electromagnet, a permanent magnet, or a combination thereof. For example, a plurality of magnetic connection devices may cushion the surface of the tread belt by different amounts in different places to simulate running on a presented beach surface with rippled sand or to gentle urge the user toward a particular stride. In some embodiments, the entire surface of the tread belt may be cushioned by the magnetic connection device(s) to simulate a global effect in the presented simulation, such as running through water. In at least one example, the exercise device may simulate an action scene and prompt the user of the exercise device to run to safety by evading objects and/or clearing obstacles in the presented video and/or audio information. The action scene may simulate escaping a boobytrapped temple where the user must run along uneven pathways, crumbling walls, and escape a large boulder following the user. The magnetic connection device(s) may apply magnetic fields to repel the wearable article at portions or all of the tread belt to simulate the shaking of the ground as the boulder rolls behind the user.

In some embodiments, a wearable article (e.g., a shoe) is magnetically coupled to a user contact point (e.g., a pedal). In some embodiments, a magnetic coupling mechanism between the shoe and the pedal includes a first magnetic connection device located in or on the pedal and a second magnetic connection device located in or on the shoe.

In some embodiments, the first magnetic connection device and the second magnetic connection device that make up the magnetic coupling mechanism between the user contact point and the wearable article include one magnet or magnetic material in each. In some embodiments, the first magnetic connection device and the second magnetic connection device that make up the magnetic coupling mechanism between the user contact point and the wearable article include more than one magnet or magnetic material in each. In some embodiments, the first magnetic connection device and the second magnetic connection device that make up the magnetic coupling mechanism between the user contact point and the wearable article include a different number of magnets or magnetic materials in each.

In some embodiments, a magnetic coupling mechanism has a plurality of magnets in the first magnetic connection device and an equal number of magnets the second magnetic connection device such that each magnet of the first magnetic connection device has a complementary magnet in the second magnetic connection device. In some embodiments, a pedal may include a plurality of magnets in the second magnetic connection device distributed on either side of a spindle, while the shoe has a single large magnet in the first magnetic connection device that interacts with the plurality of magnets in the second magnetic connection device. In some embodiments, a pedal may include a single large magnet in the second magnetic connection device, while the shoe has a plurality of magnets in the first magnetic connection device that interacts with the magnet in the second magnetic connection device. In some embodiments, a plurality of magnets in the first magnetic connection device and/or the second magnetic connection device may include one or more electromagnetics, allowing individual adjustment of the magnetic fields from the electromagnetics to tune the overall magnetic field of the first magnetic connection device and/or the second magnetic connection device.

In some embodiments, one of the first magnetic connection device and the second magnetic connection device may include a ferromagnetic material that provides little or no magnetic field in the absence of an applied magnetic field. For example, the shoe may include ferromagnetic material in the second magnetic connection device. The shoe, therefore, may be worn and used by the user off the exercise device without experiencing magnetic forces between the shoe and other metal or ferromagnetic objects. The shoe, however, will experience a magnetic force when positioned proximate to a magnetic field generated by the first magnetic connection device of the pedal.

In some embodiments, a shoe includes a sensor and magnet. The sensor is in data communication with a computing device or another controller. In some embodiments, the magnet is an electromagnet that is selectively energized by a power supply. The computing device is in data communication with the power supply, and the computing device may instruct the power supply to apply a current to the magnet. In some embodiments, the sensor is a force sensor, and the computing device instructs the power supply to apply a current to the magnet in response to detecting a force applied to the sensor by the shoe. In some embodiments, the sensor is a Hall-effect sensor that detects the presence of a magnetic field. The sensor may detect the presence of and/or distance to the shoe based on the magnetic field generated by a magnet of the shoe. The computing device may instruct the power supply to energize the magnet of the pedal based on the presence and/or a distance of the shoe. For example, a Hall-effect sensor may allow the computing device to energize the magnet of the pedal before the shoe contacts the pedal.

While the embodiments described illustrate examples of shoes and pedals for an exercise bicycle, the magnetic coupling mechanisms described therein may be applicable to other wearable articles, such as gloves and braces, and/or exercise devices, such as treadmills, rowing trainers, step trainers, elliptical trainers, etc.

In some embodiments, a plurality of magnets in the first connection device and/or second connection device allows for different directions of magnetic forces to urge the first connection device and/or second connection device into a particular alignment relative to one another. For example, some pedals including a magnet array that urge a shoe into a particular alignment based on a complementary (e.g., opposing magnetic polarity) magnet array on the shoe.

In some embodiments, a pedal with a magnetic connection device includes a plurality of magnets arranged in an array. In some embodiments, the magnets of the array are arranged with opposite poles (i.e., North and South) facing upward toward a shoe. A shoe with a complementary array of magnets with opposing polarities can attract each magnet to a specific, complementary magnet of the pedal to urge the shoe into alignment with the pedal. For example, the center column of magnets in the pedal have a North polarity and attract a complementary center column of South polarity magnets in a shoe. The laterally-positioned South polarity magnets of the pedal may provide a repulsive force to the South polarity magnets in the shoe and urge the South polarity magnets in the shoe to remain in alignment with the center column of the pedal.

The magnets may be electromagnets that are selectively energized and/or polarized by a computing device. By selectively energizing and/or polarizing the magnets, the pattern may be changed, or the strength of the net magnetic force can be adjusted. For example, the pattern may have a lesser net magnetic force on a shoe by de-energizing the center magnet. In some embodiments, the polarity of all of the magnets may be reversed to urge the wearable article away from the pedal to assist disengagement or as a safety feature to push the user's leg clear of spinning pedals.

In some embodiments, a single large magnet or magnetic material can provide a sufficient magnetic field to align the wearable article with the user contact point. The single magnet or magnetic material may allow rotation of the wearable article around an axis of the magnetic field while centering the magnet or magnetic material of the wearable article in a plane of the user contact point. The magnetic field is oriented normal to the pedal surface, with the field contour lines indicating decreasing magnetic field in the plane of the pedal surface. In an embodiment of a shoe with a magnet under the ball of the sole, the stronger magnetic field near the center of the pedal may pull the ball of the sole of the shoe into position on the center of the pedal. The shoe may freely rotate relative to the pedal, however, in contrast to the column of magnets.

As described herein, one or more of the magnets in the magnetic coupling mechanism may be an electromagnet. An electromagnet requires an application of current to energize the electromagnet. To reduce the power consumption of the exercise device, the current applied to the electromagnet may vary depending on a position of the user contact point relative to the frame of the exercise device.

In some embodiments, a set of pedals are positioned on crankarms. Forces applied by the user to the pedals move the crankarms around an axle of a drivetrain. The drivetrain may be connected to a flywheel, gears, or other resistance mechanism to allow the user to exercise on the exercise device. In other embodiments, the drivetrain can include magnetic resistance, fluid resistance, frictional resistance, or other mechanisms of resisting the rotation of the drivetrain to allow the user to exercise on the exercise device. During the downward stroke of the pedal, the user applies a downward force on the pedal. The downward force does not require a magnetic coupling between a shoe and the pedal to retain the position of the shoe on a surface of the pedal. For example, friction between the shoe and the pedal may be sufficient to retain the shoe on the surface of the pedal. In some embodiments, additional texture, pins, or surface features of the pedal and/or shoe may assist in preventing lateral motion of the shoe relative to the pedal. As such, an electromagnet of the pedal may be de-energized or have a current to the electromagnet reduced while the pedal moves through the downstroke. In some embodiments, a crankarm position sensor positioned at or near the axle and/or crankarm allows for the determination of the position of the crankarm relative to a frame of the exercise device.

In some embodiments, an upward force is transmitted to the pedal from the shoe (e.g., a “round” pedal stroke) during an upstroke of the pedal stroke. The transmission of the upward force (i.e., a tension force) between the shoe and the pedal cannot rely upon friction between the shoe and pedal, and, instead, must rely upon the provision of an attraction force between the shoe and the pedal. In some embodiments, a magnetic attraction force can provide the requisite attraction force between the shoe and the pedal. The crankarm position sensor can provide a rotational position of the pedal and/or crankarm. During the upward stroke of the pedal, an electromagnet of the pedal and/or the shoe may be energized or have a current to the electromagnet increased while the pedal moves through the upstroke. Varying the state of the electromagnet(s), by changing the current applied thereto, throughout the pedal stroke to provide a magnetic attraction force or a stronger magnetic attraction force during the upstroke.

Other devices, such as hand cycles, may share a substantially circular motion of the user contact points. In some embodiments, the user contact points of an exercise device follow a different cyclical path, such as a step machine or an elliptical trainer.

In some embodiments, an exercise device includes a pair of user contact points that the user stands on and pushes to move in an elliptical path based on a mechanical linkage to a flywheel. The linkage includes at least one crankarm to transmit power from the foot platforms of the user contact points. The position of the foot platforms in the elliptical path may be determined by a crankarm position sensor or another sensor. The sensors communicate with a computing device or other controller that adjusts the strength of an electromagnet in a magnetic connection device in the foot platforms to apply an attraction force to a shoe or other wearable article. The strength of the electromagnet may vary based at least partially on a position of the foot platform in the stroke to reduce when the user is applying a downward force and increase when the user is applying an upward force.

In some embodiments, the user contact point not only translates, but also rotates. For example, the foot platform may rotate or tilt during the movement throughout the elliptical stroke of the foot platform. In some embodiments, one or more sensors may measure an orientation of the foot platform to adjust the strength of the magnet in the magnetic connection device based at least partially upon the orientation.

In some embodiments, the exercise device includes a frame that supports a magnetic connection device with a plurality of magnets positioned underneath the user contact point (e.g., tread belt) of the treadmill. As described herein, the magnetic connection device may include electromagnets, permanent magnets, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the exercise device includes a grid of magnets. The grid may position the plurality of magnets in a plurality of columns and rows. In some embodiments, the grid is a 3×5 grid. In some embodiments, the grid has more or less than 3 columns, and in some embodiments, the grid has more or less than 5 rows.

Because the tread belt moves relative to the frame and magnetic connection device, the location of the user's foot and wearable article will move in relation to the magnets while in contact with the tread belt. In some embodiments, a plurality of magnets in a column energizes simultaneously to apply a magnetic force to the wearable article. In some embodiments, the plurality of magnets in a column moves sequentially based on the speed of the tread belt. In other embodiments, the magnetic connection device has a plurality of elongated magnets. The exercise device includes magnets positioned in a plurality of columns, where each column includes one magnet that is substantially the full length of the frame. As the user's foot does not move laterally relative to the direction of the tread belt rotation while the user's foot is in contact with the tread belt, the entire magnets may be energized to apply a magnetic force to the wearable article.

In some embodiments, the exercise device detects the location and time of the footstrike. For example, the exercise device may include one or more pressure sensors positioned in or underneath the tread belt to measure an application of force to the tread belt. A computing device in communication with the pressure sensor(s) may receive the measurements from the pressure sensor(s) and determine the user's foot has contacted the tread belt at the location of the pressure sensor(s). In some embodiments, a minimum force or pressure measurement may be required for the pressure sensor to transmit the measurement or for the computing device to interpret the measurement as a footstrike. The computing device may then send instructions to the magnetic connection device(s) associated with the location of the footstrike to attract the wearable article toward the tread belt.

In some embodiments, the exercise device includes one or more cameras positioned and oriented to monitor the movement and location of the user's feet relative to the tread belt frame and/or tread belt. The camera may transmit video data to the computing device to allow the computing device to identify the location of the user's foot when the foot make contact with the tread belt and determine the location of the footstrike. The computing device may then send instructions to the magnet connection device(s) associated with the location of the footstrike to slow the approach of the wearable article and cushion the impact of the user's foot on the exercise device.

In some embodiments of treadmills or other exercise devices where the user experiences repeated removal and impacts of the wearable article (e.g., footstrikes) with the user contact point (e.g., the tread belt), the magnetic connection device and/or magnets of the magnetic connection device may apply a repulsive magnetic force between the wearable article and the user contact point to limit the shock to the user's joints, limbs, or body, generally. For example, a repulsive magnetic force may dampen the impact by slowing the movement of the wearable article while approaching the user contact point. In another example, a repulsive magnetic force while the wearable article approaches the user contact point may cushion the impact, and a polarity of the magnet may be reversed upon contact between the wearable article and the user contact point to assist in retention of the wearable article on the user contact point.

In some embodiments, the exercise device predicts the location and time of the footstrike. For example, the exercise device may include one or more pressure sensors positioned in or underneath the tread belt to measure an application of force to the tread belt. The computing device in communication with the pressure sensor(s) may receive the measurements from the pressure sensor(s) and determine the user's foot has contacted the tread belt at the location of the pressure sensor(s). In some embodiments, the computing device may track and average the location and intervals between a sequence of footstrikes. The computing device may continue to calculate a rolling average of the recent cadence and/or location of the footstrikes to predict the location of a next footstrike. The computing device may then send instructions to the magnet connection device(s) associated with the location of the predicted footstrike to slow the approach of the wearable article and cushion the impact of the user's foot on the exercise device.

In some embodiments, the exercise device includes one or more cameras positioned and oriented to monitor the movement and location of the user's feet relative to the tread belt. The camera may transmit video data to the computing device to allow the computing device to identify the location of the user's foot when the foot make contact with the tread belt and determine the location of the footstrike. In some embodiments, the computing device may track and average the location and intervals between a sequence of footstrikes. The computing device may continue to calculate a rolling average of the recent cadence and/or location of the footstrikes to predict the location of a next footstrike. The computing device may then send instructions to the actuator(s) associated with the location of the predicted footstrike to move the tread belt and provide haptic simulation in coordination with audio and/or video information.

In some embodiments, the camera may measure the movement of the user's foot and transmit the location and movement of the user's foot to the computing device. The computing device may track the motion of the user's foot immediately prior to the user's foot contacting the tread belt and predict the location of the footstrike. The computing device may then send instructions to the magnet connection device(s) associated with the location of the predicted footstrike to slow the approach of the wearable article and cushion the impact of the user's foot on the exercise device.

In some embodiments, sensors on the user contact point, the wearable article, or the exercise device, generally may monitor the alignment and/or position of the wearable article relative to the user contact point to determine when to energize/de-energize the magnetic connection device(s). In some embodiments, a system includes a pedal with a magnetic connection device and a shoe with a ferromagnetic material in the sole of the shoe. The magnetic connection device includes a single magnet, which allows rotation of the shoe around an axis of the magnetic field of the magnet. The relative rotation can allow for some movement during the user's pedal stroke, improving comfort. However, the relative rotation of a cycling shoe to the pedal is a common motion for decoupling a conventional cycling shoe from a mechanical clipless pedal.

The pedal includes one or more sensors to measure the alignment of the shoe and the pedal. In some embodiments, the sensors are force sensors, optical sensors, Hall-effect sensors, RF sensors, or other sensors that measure a position or motion of the shoe relative to the pedal. As the shoe rotates around the magnet, the sensors may detect the rotation and provide a computing device or other controller with the rotational position of the shoe. When the rotational position exceeds a threshold value, the magnet may be de-energized to reduce and/or remove a magnetic attraction between the pedal and the shoe. The user may then step off the pedal safely. In some embodiments, the magnetic connection device may apply a magnetic repulsion to assist in the removal and/or ejection of the shoe from the pedal, further improving safety of the exercise device.

In some embodiments, safety features and wearable article removal assistance mechanisms include permanent magnets. In some embodiments, a glove wearable article has magnets positioned in a palm of the glove. A glove may be worn by a user of a rowing machine, handcycle, resistance training device, or other hand-operated exercise device. The glove may be used in conjunction with a handlebar or a grip of a rowing machine or other device. The glove and grip include complementary permanent magnets that attract one another when the glove is centered on the grip. For example, the North poles of the magnets of the glove may align with the South pole of the magnet of the grip when the glove is centered on the grip, and the South poles of the magnets of the glove may align with the North pole of the magnet of the grip when the glove is centered on the grip. In the event that the user needs to release the grip, the user may slide the glove laterally (i.e., toward the end of the grip), until the North poles of the magnets of the glove align with the North pole of the magnet of the grip, producing a magnetic repulsion force, urging the glove away from the grip.

In some embodiments, the magnetic coupling mechanisms describe herein may provide additional resistance to the user through a magnetic force applied to a wearable article. For example, the additional resistance may be used by the exercise device to enhance the intensity of the workout session. In some examples, the additional resistance may mimic surface conditions of a simulated workout, such as running on sand or through water on a beach. In some embodiments, the exercise device includes a metal or other conductive material plate positioned underneath the tread belt.

The movement of shoe forward in stride relative to the exercise device moves a magnet of the shoe relative to the metal or other conductive material plate. In some embodiments, the motion of the magnet of the shoe relative to the metal or other conductive material plate of the exercise device can induce circular eddy currents within the metal or other conductive material plate. The eddy currents generate an associated magnetic field that creates a magnetic force on the shoe opposing the direction of movement of the shoe.

In some embodiments, the conductive plate is non-magnetic, such that the presence of a magnet in the shoe does not generate a substantial attractive or repulsive force between the shoe and the conductive plate. The conductive plate, however, does allow a flow to electrons that creates an electric current flowing in circular paths in the plane of the conductive plate when the shoe is moved in a movement direction. The eddy currents generate an induced magnetic field, due to the flow of electrons in the circular path, and the induced magnetic field generates a counter-force that is in-plane with the conductive plate and opposite the movement direction. The counter-force is less than the force applied to move the shoe in the movement direction and may allow the user to move their feet while providing additional resistance and/or simulate running in sand or water.

In at least one embodiment, a system or method according to the present disclosure allows for a user of an exercise device to more efficiently or comfortably transfer power or force to the exercise device. In some embodiments, the magnetic coupling mechanisms described herein provide additional safety by reducing or disabling magnetic attraction force between the wearable article and the user contact point in response to a misalignment of the wearable article and the user contact point. In some embodiments, the magnetic coupling mechanisms described herein ensures the alignment and/or posture of the user with the user contact points by aligning of the wearable article and the user contact point. In some embodiments, the magnetic coupling mechanisms describe herein may provide additional resistance to the user through a magnetic force applied to a wearable article.

This disclosure generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for connecting a shoe to a pedal of an elliptical exercise device. While using an elliptical exercise device (hereinafter elliptical device or elliptical machine), a user moves pedals in a path having an elliptical shape to rotate a flywheel. To increase the portion of a pedal stroke during which a user may apply a force, the user's shoe may be connected to the pedal. This may allow the user to apply an upward force during the upstroke, a forward force during the forward portion of the pedal stroke, and a rearward force during the rearward portion of the pedal stroke. This may increase engagement of the user with the pedals of the elliptical. In this manner, the user may exercise different muscles during an exercise program. This may improve the exercise experience.

In some embodiments, an elliptical machine includes a flywheel. The flywheel is driven by a drive member. In the embodiment shown, the drive member is connected to an extension member connected to a pedal. The drive member may be configured to slide on a slide plate on a frame of the elliptical machine. When the user pushes down on the pedal, the force may be transferred to the drive member through the connected extension member, causing the drive member to rotate the flywheel. The flywheel may include an adjustable resistance mechanism that the user may use to adjust the resistance to rotation of the flywheel. By adjusting the resistance to rotation of the flywheel, the user may tailor his or her workout based on preferences and/or a pre-determined exercise program. In the embodiment shown, the pedal is indirectly connected to the drive member and/or the flywheel. However, it should be understood that the pedal may be directly connected to the drive member and/or the flywheel.

During use, the user may apply a force to the pedals, causing the pedals to rotate in an elliptical path. Conventionally, a user's foot is not connected to the pedal. The user's foot may rest on a platform of the pedal. The motive force used to rotate the flywheel may be applied in a downward direction. The downward force may be applied cyclically, based on the position of the pedal along the elliptical path. For example, when the pedal is at the top of the elliptical path, the user may apply a downward force on the platform to rotate the flywheel.

When the pedal is at the bottom of the elliptical path, the user may rely on the continued motion of the flywheel and/or a force applied to the opposite pedal during that pedal's downstroke. For example, the right and the left pedals of the elliptical device may be located at diametrically opposite portions of the elliptical path at any given location. Thus, when the right pedal is at the bottom of the elliptical path, the left pedal may be at the top of the elliptical path. The user may then apply the downward force on the left pedal, which may cause the right pedal to move toward the top of the elliptical path without any force applied to the right pedal. When the right pedal reaches the top of the elliptical path, and the left pedal is at the bottom of the elliptical path, the user may apply the downward force on the right pedal to move the right pedal downward and the left pedal upward without any force applied to the left pedal. This cycle may be repeated indefinitely.

During the upstroke, the user may not apply any force, or may apply a downward force, to the pedal. Only applying a downward force on the pedal may cause the user to only exercise a specific group of muscles while using the elliptical machine.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the user's foot may be connected to the pedal in such a manner that allows the user to apply forces in a different direction to the pedal. For example, based on the user's connection to the pedal, the user may apply an upward force to the pedal. In the embodiment shown, the upward force may be perpendicular to the pedal. However, it should be understood that the upward force may be applied in any direction transverse to the plane of the pedal. In this manner, the user may apply a force to the pedal at any location on the elliptical path. For example, the user may apply the upward force to the pedal when the pedal is at the bottom of the elliptical path. This may cause the pedal to move from the bottom of the elliptical path to the top of the elliptical path. In this manner, the user may use a single foot to rotate the pedal through the elliptical path. In some embodiments, pulling upward on the pedal may allow the user to exercise different muscles. Exercising different muscles may make the elliptical device more versatile, thereby improving the exercise experience.

In some embodiments, the connection of the user's foot to the platform may allow the user to apply a force in a lateral direction parallel to a plane of the platform, such as a forward force or a rearward force. In the view shown, when the pedal is in the rearward position (e.g., at the left of the elliptical path in the view shown), the user may apply a forward force to assist in the rotation of the pedal. When the pedal is in the forward position (e.g., at the right of the elliptical path in the view shown), the user may apply a rearward force to assist in the rotation of the pedal. In this manner, with the user's foot connected to the platform, the user may apply a force to rotate the pedal regardless of the position of the pedal along the elliptical path.

In some embodiments, the user may apply a combination of forces to the pedal at any position along the elliptical path to rotate the pedal. For example, to rotate the pedal in the clockwise direction, when the pedal is in the top position, the user may apply a combination of downward force and forward force. When the pedal is in the forward position, the user may apply a combination of the downward force and the rearward force. When the pedal is in the bottom position, the user may apply a combination of the upward force and the rearward force. With the pedal is in the rearward position, the user may apply a combination of the upward force and the forward force. In this manner, the user may apply any combination of forces to rotate the pedal. This may allow the user to exercise a larger combination of muscles and/or apply a greater force to the exercise device.

To rotate the pedal in the counter-clockwise direction, when the pedal is in the top position, the user may apply a combination of downward force and rearward force. With the pedal is in the rearward position, the user may apply a combination of the downward force and the forward force. When the pedal is in the bottom position, the user may apply a combination of the upward force and the forward force. When the pedal is in the forward position, the user may apply a combination of the upward force and the rearward force. In this manner, the user may apply any combination of forces to rotate the pedal. This may allow the user to exercise a larger combination of muscles and/or apply a greater force to the exercise device.

In some embodiments, a shoe is connected to a platform of a pedal. The connection of the shoe to the platform may allow the user to apply, through the shoe, an upward force, and/or a lateral force, such as a forward force or a rearward force.

The shoe may be connected to the platform with a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism may secure the shoe to the platform with a connection strength. When a removal force is applied to the connection mechanism that is greater than the connection strength, the shoe may disconnect from the connection mechanism, and the shoe may be removed from the platform.

The connection mechanism may be any kind of connection mechanism. In some embodiments, the connection mechanism may be a magnetic connection mechanism. For example, the platform may include a platform connector that is connectable, or configured to connect, to a shoe connector. In some embodiments, the shoe connector may be complementary to the platform connector. The platform connector may be a magnetic platform connector and the shoe connector may be a magnetic shoe connector. The magnetic platform connector may magnetically connect to a magnetic shoe connector. In some embodiments, a magnetic connection mechanism may be a flexible way for the user to connect the user's shoe to the platform. If the user wishes to connect to the platform, then the user may utilize a shoe having a magnetic shoe connector. If the user does not wish to connect to the platform, then the user may utilize a shoe that does not have a magnetic shoe connector. Because the magnetic platform connector can be conformed to a surface profile of the platform, when the shoe is not connected to the platform, the user may not feel the platform connector through his or her shoe. This may improve the versatility of the elliptical device.

In some embodiments, the magnetic platform connector may be any type of magnetic connector. For example, the magnetic platform connector may be or include a permanent magnet. A permanent magnet may use no outside input, thereby being low maintenance. In some embodiments, the magnetic platform connector may be or include an electromagnet. For example, the electromagnet may include a series of conductive coils that, when an electric charge is applied to the conductive coils, may generate a magnetic field. The magnetic shoe connector may be magnetically attracted to the generated magnetic field of the magnetic platform connector.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a platform connector including an electromagnet may be versatile. For example, electric power may be selectively applied to or removed from the conducting coils, thereby turning on or turning off the generated magnetic field of the magnetic platform connector. Thus, when a user desires to apply an upward force to the platform using his or her shoe, the user may selectively activate or deactivate the electromagnet. This may allow the user to tailor his or her workout to his or her desire or needs.

In some embodiments, the connection strength of the connection mechanism may be based on the magnetic strength of the magnetic platform connector. For example, a larger permanent magnet may result in a larger magnetic field, and therefore a larger connection strength. In some examples, the size of the electromagnet and/or the amount of current passed through the electromagnet may determine the strength of the generated magnetic field. A larger current passed through the electromagnet may result in a larger magnetic field, and therefore a larger connection strength. In some embodiments, the magnetic force of the electromagnet may be varied by varying the amount of current passed through the electromagnet. This may allow the user to vary the connection strength based on his or her preferences and workout needs. When the user desires a larger connection strength, such as if the user wishes to apply a large upward force, the current passed through the electromagnet may be increased. When the user desires a smaller connection strength, such as if the user wishes to remove his or her shoe with the upward force, the current passed through the electromagnet may be decreased. In some embodiments, the magnetic platform connector may include a combination of both an electromagnet and a permanent magnet. This may allow for a minimum connection strength provided by the permanent magnet, and the connection strength may be varied by applying a current to the electromagnet.

In some embodiments, the magnetic shoe connector may be or include a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet in the magnetic shoe connector may allow the user to connect to the magnetic platform connector. In some embodiments, the magnetic shoe connector may be or include an electromagnet.

In some embodiments, the electromagnet in the magnetic platform connector may be powered by a battery. In some embodiments, the electromagnet in the magnetic platform connector may be powered by the power to the elliptical machine. For example, the elliptical machine may be powered using a plug into a home or commercial power outlet. In some embodiments, the electromagnet in the magnetic platform connector may be powered by electricity generated on the elliptical machine. For example, the flywheel may include an electric generator. Rotation of the flywheel may generate electricity through a turbine or other electricity generating system. The electricity generated by the flywheel may be used to power the electromagnet. This may allow the electromagnet to be powered only when the device is being used. This may further allow the retention mechanism to only provide a retention force to the shoe when the elliptical machine is being used. This may improve the safety of the elliptical machine by preventing a user from getting their foot stuck on the platform while mounting or dismounting the platform.

In some embodiments, the strength of the electromagnet may be determined by the rotational speed of the flywheel. For example, a faster rotational speed of the flywheel may generate more current. At least a portion of the greater amount of current generated may be applied to the electromagnet. Thus, the retention force may increase with a rotational speed of the flywheel. In this manner, as the user pedals the elliptical machine faster, the user may apply a greater upward force, thereby enabling the user to pedal even faster.

In some embodiments, the strength of the electromagnet may be determined by a resistance level applied to the flywheel. For example, a higher resistance level may utilize a larger force to rotate the flywheel. To assist in rotating the flywheel, the user may desire to apply the upward force to the pedal. To continue to assist in rotating the flywheel, the user may apply a larger upward force. With a larger applied upward force, a larger retention strength may be used to keep the shoe connected to the platform. Increasing the magnetic field proportionally or directly related to an increase in the resistance level of the flywheel may help to keep the user's foot connected to the platform.

In some embodiments, the connection mechanism may include a physical connection mechanism. For example, the connection mechanism may include a clipless pedal system, such as may be seen on bicycle pedals. For example, the platform may include a receptacle and the shoe may include a cleat. The cleat may clip into the receptacle such that the user may apply a torque to the connection mechanism to disconnect the cleat from the receptacle. In some embodiments, the connection mechanism may include any other type of connection mechanism. In some embodiments, the connection mechanism may include both a mechanical connector and a magnetic connector.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the upward force used to overcome the retention force may be in a range having an upper value, a lower value, or upper and lower values including any of 5 N, 10 N, 15 N, 20 N, 25 N, 30 N, 40 N, 50 N, 75 N, 1300 N, 1350 N, 1400 N, 1450 N, 1500 N, 1600 N, 1700 N, or any value therebetween. For example, the upward force may be greater than 5 N. In another example, the upward force may be less than 1700 N. In yet other examples, the upward force may be any value in a range between 5 N and 1700 N. In some embodiments, it may be critical that the upward force is greater than 50 N to allow the user to pull upwards during a pedal stroke without accidently disconnecting from the platform.

In some embodiments, the forward force may be the force used to overcome the retention force, not accounting for friction. In some embodiments, the forward force may be in a range having an upper value, a lower value, or upper and lower values including any of 5 N, 10 N, 15 N, 20 N, 25 N, 30 N, 40 N, 50 N, 75 N, 1300 N, 1350 N, 1400 N, 1450 N, 1500 N, 1600 N, 1700 N, or any value therebetween. For example, the forward force may be greater than 5 N. In another example, the forward force may be less than 1700 N. In yet other examples, the forward force may be any value in a range between 5 N and 1700 N. In some embodiments, it may be critical that the forward force is greater than 25 N to allow the user to push forward during a pedal stroke without accidently disconnecting from the platform.

In some embodiments, the rearward force may be the force used to overcome the retention force, not accounting for friction. In some embodiments, the rearward force may be in a range having an upper value, a lower value, or upper and lower values including any of 5 N, 10 N, 15 N, 20 N, 25 N, 30 N, 40 N, 50 N, 75 N, 1300 N, 1350 N, 1400 N, 1450 N, 1500 N, 1600 N, 1700 N, or any value therebetween. For example, the rearward force may be greater than 5 N. In another example, the rearward force may be less than 1700 N. In yet other examples, the rearward force may be any value in a range between 5 N and 1700 N. In some embodiments, it may be critical that the rearward force is greater than 25 N to allow the user to push forward during a pedal stroke without accidently disconnecting from the platform.

In some embodiments, a platform of a pedal includes a platform connector. A shoe is connected to the platform connector. In some embodiments, to connect the shoe to the platform connector, the user may place the shoe over the platform connector. For example, the platform connector may include one or more platform magnets, and the shoe may include a shoe connector that includes one or more shoe magnets. The platform magnets may be magnetically attracted to the shoe magnets. When the shoe magnets of the shoe are placed over the platform magnets of the platform connector, the shoe may be pulled into an operational position.

In some embodiments, the platform connector may be directional. For example, the platform connector may include one or more orienting magnets, which may interact with the shoe magnets on the shoe to orient the user's shoe in the operational position. In some embodiments, the magnets on the platform connector may be arranged in a Halbach array. In some embodiments, the magnets in the platform connector may be arranged in any other arrangement. As discussed herein, in some embodiments, the magnets in the platform connector may be an electromagnet, which may be charged when the user's shoe is placed over the platform connector.

To remove the shoe from the platform connector, the user may apply a torque to the shoe to break the connection of the retention mechanism. This may cause the shoe to be disconnected from the platform connector. In some embodiments, the torque may change the relative orientations of the magnets in the shoe and the platform connector. This change in orientation may reduce the connection strength so that a user may easily remove his or her foot from the platform. In some embodiments, the torque used to break the connection with the platform connector may use less effort than the upward force, the forward force, or the rearward force. Thus, when the user wishes to disconnect his or her shoe from the platform, the user may twist his or her foot, thereby applying the torque and breaking the connection between the shoe and the platform connector.

The user may apply a first torque or a second torque. For example, the user may twist his or her heal to the left, thereby applying the first torque to the shoe. The user may twist his or her heal to the right, thereby applying the second torque to the shoe. In this manner, the user may twist his or her heal in any direction that is convenient for him or her to dismount the elliptical machine.

In some embodiments, the platform may include a sensor. The sensor may detect the presence of the user's shoe. When the sensor detects the presence of the user's shoe, the electromagnet in the platform connector may be powered on. In some embodiments, the sensor may be a magnetic sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor. When the Hall effect sensor detects the presence of the magnet in the magnetic shoe connector of the user's shoe, the electromagnet in the platform connector may be powered on. In this manner, the platform connector may only be powered when the user is wearing a shoe that has a magnetic shoe connector. If the user is wearing a shoe without the magnetic shoe connector, the electromagnet in the platform connector may not be powered, thereby saving energy and wear and tear on the platform connector.

In some embodiments, the sensor may be any type of sensor. For example, the sensor may include a pressure sensor. The sensor may detect the user's weight on the platform, and, based on the presence of the user, the electromagnet in the platform connector may be powered on. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor may have a minimum detected pressure or weight. The pressure sensor may help to determine whether the user is an authorized user. If the user's weight is too low, the person on the elliptical machine may not be an adult, such as a child or a pet. This may help to prevent the elliptical machine from being used by unauthorized users, thereby improving the safety of the elliptical machine.

In some embodiments, the sensor may include any other type of sensor. For example, the sensor may include an infrared sensor, an RFID sensor (paired with an RFID chip in the user's shoe), a distance sensor, any other type of sensor, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the sensor may be located in a particular location on the working surface of the platform. For example, the magnetic sensor may be located where the user may place his or her toe on the platform. This may help to ensure that the electromagnet on the platform connector is turned on when the user's feet are in an operational position. If the user's foot is in the operational position, then the user's foot and/or the shoe may trigger the sensor (e.g., the sensor may detect the presence of the user's foot), thereby causing the electromagnet platform connector to be activated. In some embodiments, the sensor is located at or adjacent to the platform connector. This may help to ensure that the shoe connector of the user's shoe is in the operational position.

In some embodiments, electromagnet may be powered on or activated when a sensor detects the presence of the user's shoe. In some embodiments, the sensor is located in a different location from the platform connector. For example, the sensor may be located behind the platform connector, where the user's heel may be located. The user's heel may include a sensor trigger, such as a magnet, an RFID chip, or other trigger. The sensor may sense the presence of the sensor trigger, and activate the electromagnet in the platform connector. By placing the sensor remotely from the platform connector, the sensor may not interfere with, or experience interference from, the platform connector and/or the shoe connector.

In some embodiments, the sensor may be located on both pedals. In some embodiments, the sensor may be located on a single pedal, such as the right pedal or the left pedal. In some embodiments, the sensor may be located at any other position on the elliptical machine. For example, the sensor may be located on the console, on the handles, elsewhere on the frame, or at any other location on the elliptical machine.

In some embodiments, the user may manually activate the electromagnet in the platform connector. For example, the user may implement a setting in an exercise program, such as a button or a selection on a graphical user interface (GUI), to activate the electromagnet. In some embodiments, the electromagnet may be automatically activated during a pre-determined exercise program. For example, an exercise program may include a portion during which the user is instructed to apply an upward force, a forward force, or a rearward force. During this portion of the exercise program, the electromagnet may be activated and/or the magnetic strength of the electromagnet may be increased.

In some embodiments, the platform may include a plurality of platform connectors. In the embodiment shown, the platform includes a first platform connector and a second platform located behind the first platform. This may allow the user two places to place his or her feet during an exercise. For example, the user may desire for his or her feet to be located closer to the front of the platform. To place his or her feet closer to the front of the platform, the user may connect to the front platform connector. To place his or her feed closer to the rear of the platform, the user may connect to the rear platform connector. This may increase the flexibility of the exercise device, allowing a user to connect his or her feet to any location on the platform and/or accommodate users having different sized feet.

In some embodiments, the front platform connector may have a different connection strength than the rear platform connector. For example, the front platform connector may have a stronger connection strength than the rear platform connector. Put another way, the connection strength varies or may vary based on a position of the platform connector on the platform. This may allow the user to determine the connection strength based on a placement of the user's foot.

In some embodiments, one or more of the platform connectors may extend in a strip across an entirety of a width of the platform. For example, the platform connectors may include one or more magnets. The magnetic portion of the platform connectors may extend across a width of the platform. This may allow the user to connect to the platform connector at any location across the width of the platform. This may increase the comfort of using the device, and/or allow for a variety of sizes of users to connect to the platform.

Following are sections in accordance with the presence disclosure:

A1. An exercise system, comprising:

-   a platform configured to receive a shoe, the shoe having a magnetic     shoe connector; and -   a retention mechanism located on the platform, the retention     mechanism including a magnetic platform connector, wherein the     magnetic platform connector connects with the magnetic shoe     connector.     A2. The exercise system of section AError! Reference source not     found., wherein the retention mechanism has a retention strength     away from and perpendicular to the platform of at least 50 N.     A3. The exercise system of section AError! Reference source not     found. or A2, wherein the retention mechanism has a retention     strength parallel to the platform of at least 25 N.     A4. The exercise system of any of sections AError! Reference source     not found.—A3, wherein the magnetic shoe connector is disconnected     from the magnetic platform connector with a torque applied to the     magnetic shoe connector.     A5. The exercise system of any of sections AError! Reference source     not found.—A4, wherein the retention mechanism includes a permanent     magnet.     A6. The exercise system of any of sections AError! Reference source     not found.—A5, wherein the retention mechanism includes an     electromagnet.     A7. The exercise system of section AError! Reference source not     found., wherein the electromagnet is powered by an exercise device     to which the platform is connected.     A8. The exercise system of section AError! Reference source not     found. or A7, wherein the electromagnet is not powered until a     movement by the platform.     A9. The exercise system of any of sections AError! Reference source     not found.—A8, wherein a retention strength of the retention     mechanism varies based on a position of the platform.     A10. The exercise system of any of sections AError! Reference source     not found.—A9, further comprising a magnetic sensor on the platform,     wherein the magnetic sensor is configured to detect a presence of     the magnetic shoe connector.     A11. The exercise system of section A10, wherein the magnetic sensor     is a Hall effect sensor.     A12. The exercise system of section A10, wherein the retention     mechanism is an electromagnet, and wherein the electromagnet is     activated when the magnetic sensor detects the presence of the     magnetic shoe connector.     B1. An elliptical exercise device, comprising: -   a frame; -   a flywheel connected to the frame; -   a drive member connected to the flywheel; -   a platform connected to the drive member, wherein a force applied to     the platform is transferred to the drive member, causing the     flywheel to rotate; and -   a magnetic connection mechanism on the platform, wherein a     connection between the magnetic connection mechanism and a shoe to     applies the force away from the platform.     B2. The elliptical exercise device of section B1, wherein the force     is perpendicular to the platform and at least 50 N.     B3. The elliptical exercise device of section B1 or B2, wherein the     magnetic connection mechanism is arranged in a strip across a width     of the platform.     B4. The elliptical exercise device of any of sections B1-B3, wherein     the flywheel includes an electric generator, and wherein the     magnetic connection mechanism includes an electromagnet that is     powered by the electric generator.     C1. A method for performing an exercise program, comprising:     connecting a shoe to a platform of an exercise device by securing a     platform connector on the platform to a shoe connector on the shoe;     applying an upward force on the platform, wherein the upward force     is applied to the platform through the shoe connector and the     platform connector; and disconnecting the shoe from the platform.     C2. The method of section C1, wherein disconnecting the shoe from     the platform includes applying a torque to the shoe connector on the     shoe relative to the platform connector.     C3. The method of section C1 or C2, further comprising applying a     lateral force on the platform, wherein the lateral force is parallel     to a plane of the platform, and wherein the lateral force is applied     to the platform through shoe connector.     C4. The method of any of sections C1-C3, wherein connecting the shoe     to the platform includes magnetically connecting the shoe to the     platform.     -   D1. An exercise system comprising:         -   an exercise device including:             -   a frame;             -   a user contact point movable relative to the frame; and         -   a wearable article configured to be worn on a user's body,             wherein the wearable article includes a magnetic connector             that, when positioned proximate to the user contact point,             applies a magnetic attraction force to the user contact             point.     -   D2. The exercise system of section D1, wherein the magnetic         connector includes an electromagnet.     -   D3. The exercise system of sections D1 or D2, wherein the         magnetic connector includes a permanent magnet.     -   D4. The exercise system of any preceding section, wherein the         magnetic connector includes a ferromagnetic mass.     -   D5. The exercise system of any preceding section, wherein the         exercise device is a stationary bicycle.     -   D6. The exercise system of any of sections D1-D4, wherein the         exercise device is a stationary handcycle.     -   D7. The exercise system of any of sections D1-D4, wherein the         exercise device is an elliptical trainer.     -   D8. The exercise system of any of sections D1-D4, wherein the         exercise device is a rowing machine.     -   D9. The exercise system of any of sections D1-D4, wherein the         exercise device is a step trainer.     -   D10. The exercise system of any preceding section, wherein the         user contact point further comprises an electromagnet.     -   D11. The exercise system of any preceding section, wherein the         magnetic connector includes a permanent magnet.     -   D12. The exercise system of any preceding section, wherein the         magnetic connector includes a ferromagnetic mass.     -   D13. The exercise system of any preceding section, wherein the         wearable article is a glove.     -   D14. The exercise system of any of sections D1-D12, wherein the         wearable article is a shoe.     -   D15. The exercise system of any of sections D1-D12, wherein the         wearable article is a wrist brace.     -   D16. The exercise system of any of sections D1-D12, wherein the         wearable article is an ankle brace.     -   E1. An exercise system comprising:         -   an exercise device including:         -   a frame;         -   a user contact point movable relative to the frame;         -   a wearable article configured to be worn on a user's body;             and         -   a magnetic coupling mechanism that, when positioned the             wearable article is proximate to the user contact point,             applies a magnetic force between the user contact point and             the wearable article.     -   E2. The exercise system of section E1, wherein the magnetic         coupling mechanism includes an electromagnet to selectively         apply the magnetic force.     -   E3. The exercise system of section E2, further comprising at         least one sensor in data communication with the electromagnet,         and a strength of the electromagnet is at least partially based         on a measurement from the at least one sensor.     -   E4. The exercise system of section E2, further comprising a         drivetrain with a crankarm that is movable relative to the         frame, wherein the user contact point is coupled to or part of         the crankarm.     -   E5. The exercise system of any of sections E1-E3, wherein the         magnetic force is an attractive force.     -   E6. The exercise system of any of sections E1-E3, wherein the         magnetic force is a repulsive force.     -   E7. The exercise system of any of sections E1-E3, wherein the         magnetic force is applied laterally to a surface of the user         contact point.     -   F1. A method of applying a magnetic force to a user with an         exercise device, the method comprising:         -   detecting a wearable article proximate a user contact point             of an exercise device;         -   in response to detecting the wearable article proximate the             user contact point, changing a current to an electromagnet             at the user contact point; and         -   applying a magnetic force between the wearable article and             the user contact point.     -   F2. The method of section F1, further comprising adjusting the         current based on a position of the user contact point relative         to a frame of the exercise device.     -   F3. The method of sections F1 or F2, further comprising         adjusting the current based on a force applied to the user         contact point.     -   F4. The method of any of sections F1-F3, further comprising         decreasing a strength of a magnetic field of the electromagnet         as the wearable article approaches the contact point.     -   F5. The method of section F4, wherein the magnetic force applied         between the wearable article and the user contact point is         constant over a distance as the wearable article moves normal to         the user contact point.

The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements in the preceding descriptions. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. For example, any element described in relation to an embodiment herein may be combinable with any element of any other embodiment described herein. Numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values stated herein are intended to include that value, and also other values that are “about” or “approximately” the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by embodiments of the present disclosure. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. The stated values include at least the variation to be expected in a suitable manufacturing or production process, and may include values that are within 5%, within 1%, within 0.1%, or within 0.01% of a stated value.

A person having ordinary skill in the art should realize in view of the present disclosure that equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made to embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Equivalent constructions, including functional “means-plus-function” clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function, including both structural equivalents that operate in the same manner, and equivalent structures that provide the same function. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke means-plus-function or other functional claiming for any claim except for those in which the words ‘means for’ appear together with an associated function. Each addition, deletion, and modification to the embodiments that falls within the meaning and scope of the claims is to be embraced by the claims.

It should be understood that any directions or reference frames in the preceding description are merely relative directions or movements. For example, any references to “front” and “back” or “top” and “bottom” or “left” and “right” are merely descriptive of the relative position or movement of the related elements.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise system comprising: an exercise device including: a frame; a user contact point movable relative to the frame; and a wearable article configured to be worn on a user's body, wherein the wearable article includes a magnetic connector that, when positioned proximate to the user contact point, applies a magnetic attraction force to the user contact point.
 2. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic connector includes an electromagnet.
 3. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic connector includes a permanent magnet.
 4. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the exercise device is a stationary bicycle.
 5. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the exercise device is an elliptical trainer.
 6. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the user contact point further comprises an electromagnet.
 7. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic connector includes a permanent magnet.
 8. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the wearable article is a shoe.
 9. An exercise system comprising: an exercise device including: a frame; a user contact point movable relative to the frame; a wearable article configured to be worn on a user's body; and a magnetic coupling mechanism that, when positioned the wearable article is proximate to the user contact point, applies a magnetic force between the user contact point and the wearable article.
 10. The exercise system of claim 9, wherein the magnetic coupling mechanism includes an electromagnet to selectively apply the magnetic force.
 11. The exercise system of claim 10, further comprising at least one sensor in data communication with the electromagnet, and a strength of the electromagnet is at least partially based on a measurement from the at least one sensor.
 12. The exercise system of claim 10, further comprising a drivetrain with a crankarm that is movable relative to the frame, wherein the user contact point is coupled to or part of the crankarm.
 13. The exercise system of claim 9, wherein the magnetic force is an attractive force.
 14. The exercise system of claim 9, wherein the magnetic force is a repulsive force.
 15. The exercise system of claim 9, wherein the magnetic force is applied laterally to a surface of the user contact point.
 16. A method of applying a magnetic force to a user with an exercise device, the method comprising: detecting a wearable article proximate a user contact point of an exercise device; in response to detecting the wearable article proximate the user contact point, changing a current to an electromagnet at the user contact point; and applying a magnetic force between the wearable article and the user contact point.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising adjusting the current based on a position of the user contact point relative to a frame of the exercise device.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising adjusting the current based on a force applied to the user contact point.
 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising decreasing a strength of a magnetic field of the electromagnet as the wearable article approaches the contact point.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the magnetic force applied between the wearable article and the user contact point is constant over a distance as the wearable article moves normal to the user contact point. 